Endoscopic Transcranial Duraplasty for Rhinoliquorrhea: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND

Repair of the anterior skull base for cerebrospinal fluid leak requires either endoscopic endonasal approach or open transcranial approach.

OBJECTIVE

To present a less invasive surgical procedure for sealing of the entire anterior fossa floor for traumatic rhinoliquorrhea.

METHODS

Cadaver study in 3 head specimens. Endoscopic placement of a furled bovine pericardial patch bilaterally along the sphenoid ridge and planum in guidewire technique. Unfurling and spreading of the patch under endoscope assistance.

RESULTS

Patch placement was feasible in all 3 specimens without visible injuries to the frontal lobes. Dissection and preservation of the olfactory tracts was only possible for 50% of olfactory tracts.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic transcranial keyhole duraplasty is a promising concept for traumatic rhinoliquorrhea.