Otogenic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: a new technique for closure of cerebrospinal fluid leak.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a new technique for control of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and to review alternative approaches.

STUDY

DESIGN

Five cases and literature review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS: Five case study patients.

INTERVENTION: Surgical.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Control of CSF rhinorrhea.

RESULTS

CSF rhinorrhea can be controlled through eustachian tube ligation in the nasopharynx, distal to all known pathways through which CSF leaks may occur from the temporal bone into the eustachian tube.

CONCLUSION

Transoral eustachian tube ligation appears to be a safe and effective alternative to other techniques for controlling CSF rhinorrhea and should be included in the otologist's repertoire.