title: An empirical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: an optimised method for developing countries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We aimed to test a new approach for repairing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and to determine the demographic, diagnostic, and treatment factors associated with the successful management of intracranial complication. Owing to the high frequency of endoscopic surgeries and the low cost of medical care in Iran, we decided to report our experience of reconstruction after CSF leaks.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed our experience in the diagnosis and management of CSF rhinorrhoea in Iran between 2005 and 2012. The locations of all pre-repair leaks were identified using simple, readily available methods. The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 72 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 37 participants, 59.5% were men and the mean age was 33 years. The success rate was 86.1%, and the most common aetiological factor was trauma (57%). The most common location was the ethmoidal fovea (45.9%), followed by the sphenoid sinus (24.3%), the cribriform plate (13.5%), and the posterior table of the frontal sinus (5.4%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Medical care in Iran has considerable budget restrictions. This study advocates a practical method of treatment for patients in similar circumstances, with a success rate of 86.1% when compared to the 90.6% achieved with other techniques.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  cerebrospinal fluid leak, endoscopic, intracranial pressure ICP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tracheal Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19558-41452, Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Safavi
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tracheal Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19558-41452, Iran.
authors.forename: Amir Ali
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Safavi
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tracheal Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19558-41452, Iran.
authors.forename: Rozita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jafari
keywords: cerebrospinal fluid leak; endoscopic; intracranial pressure ICP; skull base defect