Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea and otorrhoea: extracranial repair.
Cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhoea is a well recognized problem. The otolaryngologist has a major role to play in the diagnosis and management of this condition. Five cases are described which illustrate the problems involved; four presented as leaks and one as pneumoencephalus and meningitis. Of the various methods of diagnosis and localization non-invasive techniques, i.e. tomography, CT and flexible endscopy are preferred. The extracranial extradural approach for anterior, middle and posterior fossa leaks allows a direct assault on the fistula. It may be usefully augmented by temporary lumbar drainage.
D000328:Adult; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000209:etiology; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps