Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel dural sealant and collagen dural graft matrix in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is the most common complication after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. The authors compare their previous experience using an autologous fat graft and lumbar drain placement in 107 patients with their current technique of using a dural sealant and collagen matrix in 97 patients to prevent postoperative CSF leak after pituitary tumor resection. The failure rate for CSF leak repairs between the two groups was similar. The use of a dural sealant and collagen matrix, however, has the advantages of decreased length of hospital stay, decreased length of Intensive Care Unit stay, avoidance of the morbidity of an extra abdominal incision, and avoidance of the risks of lumbar CSF drainage.