TRAUMATIC FRONTO BASAL CEREBROSPINAL FLUID FISTULA

NEUROSURGICAL TREATMENT

Abstract

CSF rhinorhoea is one of the complications of head injury which should initially be managed conservatively and on
failure surgical intervention is mandatory to prevent life threatening meningitis. Material & Methods: In the present
study we analyzed 75 cases of CSF rhinorrhoea from Jan 1998 to Jan 2002 secondary to head injury. There were 61
males and 14 females with an average of 35 years. CT and MRI were the main diagnostic modalities used for the
investigation of the site of fistula. Twenty two patients were operated. Surgical treatment consisted of intra cranial
approach. Results: Spontaneous closure of the fistula was observed in 53 patients with conservative management.
In 22 patients surgical intervention was required. Post operative closure of the CSF fistula was seen in 91% of cases
with minimal morbidity. Conclusion: Intra cranial approach is effective, safe and intra cranial traumatic pathologies can
be dealt along with the CSF fistula.