Role of galeal-pericranial flap in reducing postoperative CSF leak in patients with intracranial endoscopic procedures.
OBJECTIVE
The authors describe a simple technique to reduce the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following endoscopic third ventriculostomy and other neuroendoscopic procedures.


METHODS
After the scalp incision, the galea and pericranium are reflected in a single layer after the scalp incision which is then closed in a watertight fashion after the procedure is completed. The securely closed flap prevents minor CSF leaks which would have otherwise required intermittent CSF drainage procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
This simple procedural modification is effective in children with thin cortical mantle and large ventricles who are otherwise highly susceptible for CSF leak in the postoperative period.
Mohanty
Aaron
A
Division of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77555-0517, USA. aarmohanty@yahoo.com
Suman
Ravi
R
D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000601:surgery; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D006801:Humans; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D010521:Periosteum / Q000637:transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation; D016378:Tissue Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*