Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2018; 79(04): 330-334
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1607455
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Primary Dural Closure for Retrosigmoid Approaches

Garrett T. Venable
1   College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
,
Mallory L. Roberts
1   College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
,
Ryan P. Lee
1   College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
,
L. Madison Michael II
2   Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
3   Semmes-Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
› Institutsangaben
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

02. September 2016

10. Juli 2017

Publikationsdatum:
10. November 2017 (online)

Preview

Abstract

Object Primary closure of posterior fossa dura can be challenging, and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks continue to represent a common complication of the retrosigmoid approach. We describe a simple technique to allow for primary closure of the dura following retrosigmoid approaches. The incidence of CSF leaks using this method is reported.

Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on all cases of retrosigmoid craniotomies performed by the senior surgeon from February 2009 to February 2015. The primary outcome was development of postoperative CSF leak or pseudomeningocele. Length of stay, lesion type, and other surgical complications were also reported.

Results Eighty-six patients underwent a retrosigmoid craniotomy during the study period. The most common indications for retrosigmoid craniotomy were microvascular decompression (58%) and tumor resection (36%). No allo- or autografts to repair the dural defect were needed, and no lumbar drains were used. No patients developed CSF otorrhea, rhinorrhea, or incisional leak postoperatively.

Conclusion Primary dural closure is possible in retrosigmoid approaches without the use of allo- or autografts and may prevent postoperative CSF leaks when combined with other posterior fossa closure techniques. Careful attention to the handling of the dural flap is necessary to achieve this.

Note

No part of this paper has been published or previously presented.