Management of Post-Craniotomy Persistent CSF Subgaleal Collection in Skull Base Procedures: Local Experience

Abstract

Background: Post-craniotomy CSF collection is a problem that may cause severe complications as meningitis, wound disruption, prolonged hospitalization, and additional surgeries. Objective: To evaluate our cases with resistant post-operative subgaleal CSF collection, trying to identify causes and optimal management. Methods: Retrospective review of elective skull base cases during the period of January 2104 to January 2019 identification of cases with post-operative CSF subgaleal collection, which either managed conservatively or needed a second surgery. Results: 219 patients, 30 of them suffered subgaleal CSF collection, 22 patients improved with non-operative measures, eight patients needed second surgery with pericranial graft augmentation, and obliteration of subgaleal space resulted in resolution of CSF leak with no morbidities. Conclusion: Meticulous tensionless dural closure, obliteration of subgaleal space, tethering of dural grafts to bone edges are useful techniques in preventing post-operative CSF leak.