title: Management of traumatic cerebrospinal fluid fistula.
abstract: Cerebrospinal fluid fistulae present a common management problem for the surgeon managing craniofacial trauma. Controversies exist concerning various aspects of treatment. These controversial management issues include cerebrospinal fluid drainage, antibiotic prophylaxis, timing of surgical intervention, and techniques of repair. Although most cerebrospinal fluid fistulae cease spontaneously, some fistulae persist, resulting in the potential for life-threatening complications. A review of these issues is presented, together with a suggested management protocol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Teo
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002559:Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004322:Drainage; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000293:injuries; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008581:Meningitis / Q000209:etiology; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012886:Skull / Q000293:injuries; D013997:Time Factors