Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea and its management.

A series of 100 cases of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea has been analysed with reference to the incidence and pattern of meningitis in order to formulate a rationale for the future management of such cases. Most cases are best managed conservatively for the first 14 days during which the majority resolve spontaneously. Of those requiring surgery, the trans-ethmoid/sphenoidal route of repair is preferred except in certain specified circumstances. The high incidence of meningitis in cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea following nasal or trans-sphenoidal surgery probably demands early operation by craniotomy.