Abstract
Background: The nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been shown to be a valuable addition to the reconstructive armamentarium of the endoscopic skull-base surgeon. We aimed to evaluate the rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after use of a NSF that had a small tear during harvest. Methods: After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, we analyzed our database of patients undergoing skull-base resection. We included all patients who had a NSF reconstruction, septoplasty, and/or spur on preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging. We then evaluated video of each procedure to determine if a tear occurred in the NSF during harvest. Patient records were reviewed to determine if a postoperative CSF leak occurred. Results: We evaluated video of 21 patients who underwent a skull-base resection, were reconstructed with a NSF, and had either a septoplasty or evidence of a septal spur on CT imaging. Of these 21 cases, 11 small tears occurred during harvest of the NSF flap and none of the patients with a torn NSF had a postoperative CSF leak. Conclusion: Our series shows a 0% postoperative CSF leak rate in patients undergoing skull-base reconstruction with a NSF that was torn during harvest. Small tears in the NSF do not seem to affect postoperative CSF leak rates.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 353-355 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Apr 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- CSF leak
- NSF
- Nasoseptal flap
- Septoplasty
- Skull-base reconstruction