Traumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea Managed by Endoscopic Endonasal Repair: A Case Series

Abhishek Desai, Deepti Jaykrushna Puranik, Akshata J. Chaudhari
Author(s)
1Registrar, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. 2Associate Professor, Department of ENT, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Dhamangaon, Nashik, Maharashtra, India. ³Junior Resident, Department of ENT, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Dhamangaon, Nashik, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea is a known complication of skull base fractures following head injury. ¹ Persistent CSF leaks can lead to serious complications such as meningitis if untreated. Material and Methods: This case series includes four patients diagnosed with traumatic CSF rhinorrhoea following head trauma. Clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical management, and outcomes were analysed. Results: All patients presented with clear watery nasal discharge. CT scan revealed skull base defects involving the cribriform plate, ethmoid roof, or sphenoid sinus. Of the four patients, three underwent endoscopic Endonasal repair using a fascia lata graft, and 1 underwent repair using abdominal fat as a graft. CSF leak closure was successful in all cases, with no recurrence. Conclusion: Endoscopic Endonasal repair is a safe and effective technique for the management of traumatic CSF rhinorrhoea with high success rates and minimal complications.

Keywords: CSF, Rhinorrhoea, Endoscopy.

Outline