Low-grade CSF leaks in endoscopic trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery: efficacy of a simple and fully synthetic repair with a hydrogel sealant

Background

Intra-operative CSF leak during endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery is not uncommon. Surgical repair with a variety of autologous grafts, rigid buttresses and CSF diversion techniques that add time and complexity have been reported.

Objective

To describe a simple and purely synthetic closure for low-grade CSF leaks following endoscopic trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of all endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgery undertaken for pituitary pathology between 2005 and 2010 was carried out. The grade of CSF leak and success of graded repair was noted. Patients with no CSF leak (grade 0) had gelatin sponge placed in the tumour cavity. In those with low-grade CSF leak through small arachnoid defects (grade 1), repair was carried out using gelatin sponge and hydrogel sealant overlay. CSF diversion was not employed for low-grade CSF leaks.

Results

Of the 255 endoscopic trans-sphenoidal surgeries, 158 (62%) had no leak (grade 0) and 74 (29%) had a low-grade leak (grade 1). Repairs in all cases were of grade 0, and all but two cases of grade 1 CSF leak were successful at a mean follow-up of 29?months. The 2 (2.7%) post-operative CSF leaks were seen within 6?weeks of surgery. Both cases were related to bouts of sneezing and were repaired using further trans-sphenoidal surgery and/or lumbar CSF diversion.

Conclusions

A simple purely synthetic repair of low-grade CSF leaks is described. This repair is safe and comparable in efficacy whilst avoiding the morbidity related to more complex sellar reconstructions previously described.     

Acellular Dermal Allograft for Sellar Repair after Transsphenoidal Approach to Pituitary Adenomas

Objectives Our practice has transitioned from using fat autograft to acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm, LifeCell Corp, Woodlands, Texas, USA). We present the largest series to our knowledge of AlloDerm for sellar floor repair after transsphenoidal approach to pituitary adenoma and compare rates of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak with an earlier cohort of patients whose CSF leaks were repaired with fat autograft.Design This is a retrospective cohort study comparing sellar repair with fat autograft versus inlay Alloderm between the years 2003 and 2012. The primary end point was postoperative CSF leak.Results A total of 429 patients (368 primary; 83 revision operations) without intraoperative lumbar drainage were included. A total of 18 postoperative CSF leaks were observed (3.9%). Intraoperative CSF leak occurred in 160 cases (35.5%). Among this subset of patients with intraoperative CSF leak, 95 underwent repair with AlloDerm and 46 underwent repair with fat autograft, with postoperative CSF leak rates of 8.4% and 15.2%, respectively (p = 0.34, chi-square test); 19 patients underwent repair with other techniques or no repair at all, with postoperative leak rate of 0%.Conclusions AlloDerm is an effective alternative to fat autograft in cases of low-flow CSF leak following transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma.     

Sellar floor reconstruction after transsphenoidal surgery using fibrin glue without grafting or implants: technical note

BACKGROUND: Different techniques have already been described for reconstructing the sellar floor after transsphenoidal (TS) procedures. This paper reports on the use of fibrin glue alone without grafting or the use of implants in the reconstruction of the sellar floor after TS. METHODS: Five hundred sixty-seven patients who submitted to TS for pituitary and sellar region tumors were studied. No intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred in 503 patients (group 1); in the remaining 64 patients (group 2), intraoperative CSF leak was noted. In group 1 patients, closure of the sellar floor consisted of packing the surgical bed with hemostatic material only. When CSF leak was noted, the surgical bed was covered with a layer of hemostatic material and the intrasellar space was filled up with fibrin glue. An additional layer of hemostatic material was added at the topography of the preexisting sellar floor, and a second amount of fibrin glue was applied over it. At the end of surgery, a continuous lumbar CSF drainage system was installed in group 2 patients and kept for 5 days. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered during this period. RESULTS: We did not observe delayed CSF leak, meningitis, or visual loss in group 1 patients. In group 2, 2 patients presented with complications: 1 patient got meningitis but no overt CSF leak, and the other disclosed a delayed postoperative leak treated by reoperation. DISCUSSION: Our results showed that closure of the sellar floor with hemostatic material and fibrin glue without grafting or the use of implants is a safe and efficient method to prevent postoperative complications after TS. Generally speaking, there is no need for grafting or the use of implants at the end of TS.     

Sellar Reconstruction and Rates of Delayed Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

Objectives Delayed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a complication in transsphenoidal surgery, potentially causing morbidity and longer hospital stays. Sella reconstruction can limit this complication, but is it necessary in all patients? Design Retrospective review. Setting Single-surgeon team (2005–2012) addresses this trend toward graded reconstruction. Participants A total of 264 consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal resections. Sellar defects sizable to accommodate a fat graft were reconstructed. Main outcomes Delayed CSF leak and autograft harvesting. Results Overall, 235 (89%) had reconstruction with autograft (abdominal fat, septal bone/cartilage) and biological glue. Delayed CSF leak was 1.9%: 1.7%, and 3.4% for reconstructed and nonreconstructed sellar defects, respectively (p = 0.44). Complications included one reoperation for leak, two developed meningitis, and autograft harvesting resulted in abdominal hematoma in 0.9% and wound infection in 0.4%. Conclusion In our patients, delayed CSF leaks likely resulted from missed intraoperative CSF leaks or postoperative changes. Universal sellar reconstruction can preemptively treat missed leaks and provide a barrier for postoperative changes. When delayed CSF leaks occurred, sellar reconstruction often allowed for conservative treatment (i.e., lumbar drain) without repeat surgery. We found universal reconstruction provides a low risk of delayed CSF leak with minimal complications.     

Collagen sponge repair of small cerebrospinal fluid leaks obviates tissue grafts and cerebrospinal fluid diversion after pituitary surgery

OBJECTIVE: Repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak created at the time of transsphenoidal surgery typically involves placement of a fat, fascial, or muscle graft and sellar floor reconstruction. In this report, a simplified repair for small, "weeping" CSF leaks using collagen sponge is described. METHODS: All patients underwent an endonasal transsphenoidal procedure using the operating microscope. At the completion of tumor removal, if a small CSF leak was noted but no obvious large arachnoidal defect was present, a piece of collagen sponge was fashioned to cover the exposed diaphragma sellae. Titanium mesh was then wedged into the intrasellar, extradural space and a larger piece of collagen was placed over the reconstructed sellar floor. Nasal packing was removed within 24 hours. RESULTS: During an 18-month period, 62 consecutive transsphenoidal procedures were performed for tumor removal. Of 20 patients with a small CSF leak (18 pituitary adenomas, 1 Rathke's cleft cyst, and 1 chordoma), all had successful repair with collagen sponge. At follow-up examinations at 1 to 18 months, no patient had required a lumbar drain or had developed meningitis. One other patient had a large intraoperative arachnoidal defect that was unsuccessfully repaired with the collagen sponge technique; in this patient, a second operation was required with a fat graft, sellar floor reconstruction, and lumbar drainage. CONCLUSION: A simplified repair of small CSF leaks after transsphenoidal surgery using a two-layered collagen sponge technique with sellar floor reinforcement is thought to be safe and effective and obviates the need for tissue grafts, fibrin glue, or lumbar drain placement.     

Reconstruction of the sellar dura in transsphenoidal surgery using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene dural substitute

BACKGROUND: The transsphenoidal approach for resecting pituitary tumors has classically included reconstruction of the anterior wall of the sella turcica. A variety of materials have been used in this process for the purpose of both recreating the original anatomy and preventing postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We studied the use of an ePTFE dural substitute (GORE Preclude MVP, W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA), as a method for obtaining reliable reconstruction of the sellar dura. METHODS: A prospective alternate case trial was designed to assess this new dural substitute wherein 60 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgical resection of intrasellar lesions larger than 1 cm were included. Thirty patients had the sellar dura closed with ePTFE dural substitute, whereas 30 patients underwent anterior wall reconstruction as ordinarily performed in our institution. RESULTS: Each patient was reassessed at closure, and the operative site and sphenoid sinus were evaluated with 3-months-postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Three patients experienced postoperative CSF leaks: 1 with ePTFE dural substitute and 2 without. All 3 patients underwent a second operation to repair the CSF leak, without further complications. No other postoperative complications were noted in the series. CONCLUSION: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene dural substitute provides a safe and effective adjunctive method for reconstruction of the sellar dura.     

Risk factors of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea following transsphenoidal surgery

Summary Objective. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a potentially life-threatening complication following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). Methods. To elucidate the risk factors that may affect the incidence of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea, we retrospectively reviewed 200 consecutive cases of TSS performed by a single surgeon for 168 adenomas and 32 other sellar and parasellar lesions. Results. Intra-operative CSF leakage was encountered in 38 cases (19.0%). Its incidence did not correlate to tumor size. Among 4 microadenoma cases with CSF leak, 3 were ACTH adenomas. In contrast, postoperative CSF rhinorrhea was observed in 5 cases (2.5%), all following TSS for adenomas. It was frequently noted in cases with prior TSS (3/40, 7.5%, p = 0.0235) and prior radiotherapy (2/7, 28.6%, p<0.0001). Two cases who required surgical intervention had received TSS and radiotherapy previously. Conclusion. The risk of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea is significantly increased in cases with prior TSS or radiotherapy or both. In addition, these cases tended to show delayed CSF leaks and require sellar reconstruction for its treatment. When a CSF leak was encountered during TSS in these high-risk cases, thorough sellar reconstruction and long-term follow-up is necessary.     

Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: comparison of two sellar reconstruction techniques and their effect on postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage

Transsphenoidal surgery is a common procedure in patients with pituitary adenomas. Several techniques have been previously postulated to achieve sufficient sellar reconstruction to avoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. We analyzed our institutional database concerning two sellar reconstruction techniques and development of postoperative CSF leakage. From 2009 to 2015, 255 patients underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery at our institution. According to the technique used for sellar reconstruction, patients were divided into two groups: (1) with muscle patch and fibrin glue and (2) with fibrin glue alone. Postoperative CSF leakage occurred in 7% of the patients. Occurrence of postoperative CSF leakage did not differ significantly between both sellar reconstruction techniques (p?=?0.2). Patients who underwent sellar reconstruction with fibrin glue alone had significantly shorter operating time (p?<?0.0001), as well as shorter length of hospital stay (p?=?0.01). On multivariate analysis, occurrence of intraoperative CSF leakage was the only predictor for postoperative CSF leakage (p?<?0.0001). The present data suggests that sellar reconstruction after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery seems to be equally effective in preventing postoperative CSF leakage. However, the use of fibrin glue alone results in shorter hospital stay and operating time without exposing patients to more frequent CSF leakage.     

Sellar floor reconstruction with nasal turbinate tissue after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: The emerging endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas is safe and effective. An intraoperative sellar floor reconstructive method after this approach is challenging.[nl] OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple method of sellar reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas by nasal turbinate tissue.[nl] MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with defects in the floor of the sella turcica, after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas, underwent reconstruction with nasal turbinate tissue. The surgical technique is described.[nl] RESULTS: Patients who underwent this sellar reconstruction did not show postoperative cerebrospinal leak or other complications.[nl] CONCLUSION: Nasal turbinate tissue is an excellent source of donor material for successful reconstruction of the sellar floor. It is costless, safe, soft, malleable and easy to obtain in the same field of surgery with suitable size without inducing side effects or complications.     

BioGlue for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks in transsphenoidal surgery: A case series

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of BioGlue (CryoLife, Inc, Atlanta, Ga) surgical adhesive in transsphenoidal surgery was assessed as an adjunct in the prevention of postoperative CSF leaks. METHODS: All patients in whom BioGlue was used for an intraoperative skull base reconstruction were retrospectively identified. Intraoperative CSF leaks were graded according to size (grade 1, small weeping leak without obvious diaphragmatic defect; grade 2, moderate leak with a definite diaphragmatic defect; grade 3, large diaphragmatic and/or dural defect). CSF leak repair was tailored to CSF leak grade. BioGlue was applied as a reinforcement over collagen sponge as the last layer of the repair. RESULTS: Over 28 months, a total of 282 patients underwent endonasal surgery. Of these patients, 124 (79 women; age range, 8-84 years), in 128 procedures, had an intraoperative CSF leak repair reinforced with BioGlue. Pathology included 80 pituitary adenomas, 11 craniopharyngiomas, 7 Rathke's cleft cysts, 6 chordomas, 5 meningiomas, 4 spontaneous CSF leaks, 3 arachnoid cysts, and 8 other parasellar pathologies. There were 62 (48.4%) grade 1, 41 (32.0%) grade 2, and 25 (19.5%) grade 3 leak repairs. The overall repair failure rate was 1.6% (2 cases), with the failures occurring in patients with grade 3 leaks, including 1 who developed meningitis; there was no failure of grades 1 and 2 leaks. The 2 failures were attributed largely to technical aspects of the repair rather than to failure of BioGlue per se. CONCLUSIONS: BioGlue appears to be an effective adjunct in preventing postoperative CSF leaks after transsphenoidal surgery. However, careful attention to technical details of the repair is still required to prevent failures, especially when closing large dural and diaphragmatic defects.     

Reconstruction of the sellar floor during transnasal pituitary surgery using ceramics composed of a combination of hydroxyapatite and tricalciumphosphate]

Our clinical experience with reconstruction of the sellar floor during transnasal-transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors using ceramics composed of a combination of hydroxyapatite and tricalciumphosphate (pituitary plate) is described. A pituitary plate was used to reconstruct the sellar floor in 15 patients with pituitary tumors that included 13 pituitary adenomas and 2 Rathke's cleft cysts. This method is indicated for cases of reoperation and cases in which there is of much cerebrospinal fluid leakage during surgery. This material is provided as a pituitary plate 12 x 12 mm round and 2 mm thick. There are four holes in the center by which the plate can be held with regular bipolar forceps. At the time of closing the sellar floor window, a pituitary plate was carved with scissors into a suitable shape and slipped inside the bony defect. The postoperative position of the pituitary plate could be clearly identified on skull roentgenogram and magnetic resonance imaging. No displacement or migration of the implanted pituitary plate was observed in any patient during follow-up radiological examinations. Infections such as a pituitary abscess or meningitis were not observed clinically or radiologically in any patient. In three patients who underwent repeated transnasal surgery for regrowth of the tumor, the pituitary plate that had been placed at the initial procedure was covered with a thin fibrous capsule and the plate was well preserved. These results indicate that a pituitary plate can be useful for reconstruction of the sellar floor in transnasal-transsphenoidal surgery.     

The Fixed Combination of Collagen With Components of Fibrin Adhesive—A New Hemostypic Agent in Skull Base Procedures

CSF leak still is one of the major sources of morbidity after extensive skull base procedures. Of the various standard closure techniques of traumatic or iatrogenic dural defects, none provides a really waterlight, persistent closure. Even the supplementary use of fluid fibrin glue did not substantially improve the rate of postoperative CSF leaks. The application of a collagen sheet covered with a fixed layer of solid components of a fibrin tissue glue (TachoComb®) overcomes the major drawbacks of dural sealing in skull base surgery. The dural defects of 58 patients undergoing extensive skull base procedures were sealed with this new hemostyptic agent. The series includes 44 patients undergoing primary surgery, 6 patients with traumatic or iatrogenic tears of venous sinuses, and 8 patients with postoperative leaks after previous skull base procedures in which other sealing methods were previously used. In the group of primary surgery, none of the patients had postoperative CSF leakage or venous rebleeding. One patient developed a delayed pneumatocephalus. All cases of patent CSF fistulas were resolved without any adjuvant therapy. Preliminary experience shows that the good sealing and hemostyptic performance of this new agent will considerably reduce the risk of postoperative CSF leak and infection after skull base procedures.     

The fixed combination of collagen with components of fibrin adhesive-a new hemostypic agent in skull base procedures

CSF leak still is one of the major sources of morbidity after extensive skull base procedures. Of the various standard closure techniques of traumatic or iatrogenic dural defects, none provides a really waterlight, persistent closure. Even the supplementary use of fluid fibrin glue did not substantially improve the rate of postoperative CSF leaks. The application of a collagen sheet covered with a fixed layer of solid components of a fibrin tissue glue (TachoComb(R)) overcomes the major drawbacks of dural sealing in skull base surgery. The dural defects of 58 patients undergoing extensive skull base procedures were sealed with this new hemostyptic agent. The series includes 44 patients undergoing primary surgery, 6 patients with traumatic or iatrogenic tears of venous sinuses, and 8 patients with postoperative leaks after previous skull base procedures in which other sealing methods were previously used. In the group of primary surgery, none of the patients had postoperative CSF leakage or venous rebleeding. One patient developed a delayed pneumatocephalus. All cases of patent CSF fistulas were resolved without any adjuvant therapy. Preliminary experience shows that the good sealing and hemostyptic performance of this new agent will considerably reduce the risk of postoperative CSF leak and infection after skull base procedures.     

Fully endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for functioning pituitary adenomas: A retrospective comparison with traditional transsphenoidal microsurgery in the same institution

BackgroundThe efficacy and the minimally invasive nature of the fully transnasal endoscopic procedure in the treatment of pituitary adenomas and other lesions of the sellar area have been widely reported in the literature. Many authors observed similar results in terms of the correction of hormonal hypersecretion in functioning pituitary adenomas using endoscopic endonasal surgery or the traditional microscopic technique. We report the endocrinologic outcome in 2 series of patients operated on at the same institution for functioning pituitary adenomas using these 2 different techniques.MethodsThis study includes 2 successive series of 60 consecutive patients presenting with a hormonally active pituitary adenoma operated on by the same surgeon. The surgical results obtained in the most recently operated group using a fully endoscopic endonasal technique were compared with those obtained previously using the traditional microsurgical transsphenoidal procedure. The classification of tumors into 4 grades according to Hardy was based on modern MRI and intraoperative findings.ResultsThe overall remission rate of hypersecretion was 63% in the endoscopic group compared with 50% in the microsurgical group. The most obvious difference between the 2 groups was observed in noninvasive macroadenomas. In this specific grade of tumors, the remission rate of hypersecretion obtained using endoscopy was 78% compared with 43% using microsurgery. The endocrinologic results achieved for microadenomas were similar in the 2 groups. Postoperative CSF leaks occurred more frequently (6 cases) in the endoscopic group.ConclusionsIn our experience, fully endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for functioning pituitary adenomas leads to a better endocrinologic outcome for noninvasive macroadenomas compared to the traditional microsurgical technique. However, morbidity with the endoscopic technique was higher in terms of the rate of postoperative CSF leaks.     

Use of equine collagen foil as dura mater substitute in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the use of a novel collagen-based dural substitute in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. METHODS: Operative records were reviewed for a 12-month period for all patients who underwent surgery by means of an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach since we began using TissuDura (Baxter, Vienna, Austria) collagen-only dural substitute in January 2004. RESULTS: During the 12-month period evaluated, we performed an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal operation for a variety of pituitary lesions on 72 consecutive patients. Among these, 15 patients (20.8%) required the implant of the collagen foil. Nine patients (60%) presented an intraoperative CSF leak (3 small weeping of CSF and 6 larger leaks); in these cases, the TissuDura was used against the arachnoid membrane, followed by the other materials used for the repair. In 7 other subjects without any evidence of CSF escape, the collagen foil was used to protect and enforce the arachnoidal membrane descent into the sellar cavity to prevent its possible postoperative rupture and consequent CSF leak. Fibrin glue was used in all cases. A postoperative CSF leak with meningitis occurred in only 1 (6.7%) of the 15 subjects. The patient required a reoperation for CSF fistula repair and intravenous antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Even if based on a relatively small patient series, our experience demonstrated that the use of TissuDura in transsphenoidal surgery is safe and biocompatible, as compared with other dural substitutes.     

Sellar repair with resorbable polyglactin acid sheet and fibrin glue in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid leakage after transsphenoidal surgery represents a serious problem. Various methods to prevent postoperative CSF leakage are available, but immediate and tight dural closure is still difficult. The efficacy of a novel sellar repair was described. METHODS: The sellar repair using absorbable PGA sheet and fibrin glue was applied to 18 consecutive patients with sellar tumors that include 13 pituitary adenomas, 2 craniopharyngiomas, 2 Rathke's cleft cysts, and 1 meningioma within 135 patients who were treated with endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. The reaction speed and strength between PGA sheets and fibrin glue were examined in vitro. RESULTS: Polyglactin acid sheets were adhered to the rabbit skin with fibrin glue within 3 minutes and withstood a pressure of more than 220 mm Hg. Postoperative CSF leakage of the patients was not observed in any patients, and excellent adhesion of the PGA sheets to surrounding mucosa was estimated by endoscopic observation after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of the sellar floor with PGA sheet and fibrin glue is a safe and effective method to prevent postoperative CSF leakage, which decreases the necessity for lumbar drainage after the operation.     

Symptomatic Pneumocephalus after Transsphenoidal Surgery

Background

Symptomatic pneumocephalus after transsphenoidal surgery, though reported, is a rare phenomenon. We report three cases of pneumocephalus in a series of 300 transsphenoidal operations for sellar/suprasellar mass lesions done over the past 12 years.

Methods and Results

Three cases of symptomatic pneumocephalus occurring after transsphenoidal surgery are presented to illustrate the causative factors, methods of prevention, and management. In case 1, an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurred and drainage of CSF through a lumbar subarachnoid drain resulted in pneumocephalus, in spite of repair of the sellar floor. In case 2, partial excision of tumor and subsequent reduction of intracranial pressure due to a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt led to pneumocephalus. In case 3, radiotherapy-induced shrinkage of a partially excised tumor resulted in pneumocephalus. The sellar floor had not been repaired in cases 2 and 3 as there was no intraoperative CSF leak and only a partial excision had been done. Conservative management failed in the two patients in whom it was tried. Repair of the sella and sphenoid sinus had to be done in all three cases.

Conclusions

Repair of the sellar floor should be done after a transsphenoidal approach in all cases, even when no intraoperative leak has been identified and only a partial excision of tumor has been done. Once pneumocephalus has occurred, the sellar floor and sphenoid sinus should be repaired early before reducing the intracranial pressure (ICP) by tapping ventricular air and draining or diverting CSF.     

Minimizing morbidity in endoscopic pituitary surgery: outcomes of the novel nasoseptal rescue flap technique

Objective The novel nasoseptal rescue flap has been proven to provide complete coverage of dural defects that may be encountered during endoscopic pituitary surgery through cadaveric studies. In this case series, the authors report outcomes from the first cohort of patients who had a nasoseptal rescue flap raised prior to surgery. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Subjects and Methods Patients requiring nasoseptal rescue flaps were identified from the senior author's database. Results Nasoseptal rescue flaps were harvested in 26 consecutive patients, with only 7 (27%) patients actually requiring use of the rescue flap for skull base reconstruction due to intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Six patients had low-flow CSF leaks, whereas 1 patient had a high-flow CSF leak. Nineteen patients had pituitary adenomas, whereas 7 patients had Rathke cleft cyst. Mean follow-up time was 6 months (range, 1-16 months). Since surgery, no patients have presented with CSF leak or septal perforation. The success rate in those 7 patients with rescue flap utilization was 100%. Conclusion The nasoseptal rescue flap is an effective surgical technique for patients undergoing pituitary surgery without a planned nasoseptal flap. It allows for vascularized skull base reconstruction if an intraoperative CSF leak is encountered and minimizes donor site morbidity if a leak is not encountered.     

Sellar repair with fibrin sealant and collagen fleece after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine, in patients undergoing sellar repair after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery, the clinical efficacy of a combination of fibrin sealant/collagen fleece compared to the use of fibrin sealant or collagen fleece alone, in preventing CSF-related (cerebrospinal fluid) postoperative complications. METHODS: From a retrospective analysis of our series of 242 consecutive endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures, in 56 out of the 90 cases in which the sella had been repaired, fibrin sealant and/or collagen fleece was employed, both in combination with one or multiple layers of other materials. The incidence of postoperative CSF leaks and the need for a postoperative lumbar drainage in the groups of fibrin sealant or collagen fleece treated patients were compared to the group of patients treated with the fibrin sealant/collagen fleece combination. RESULTS: In 2 out of 16 fibrin sealant treated patients a postoperative CSF leak presented, and in 6 out of these 16 subjects a postoperative lumbar drainage was necessary; patients who received a fibrin sealant/collagen fleece combination exhibited no detectable postoperative CSF leak, and no postoperative lumbar drainage was used. CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the sella turcica with fibrin sealant in combination with a collagen fleece is a safe and effective method to prevent CSF fistulas. When used in combination, the collagen fleece enhances the sealing and tissue regeneration properties of the fibrin sealant, thus reducing the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks, obviating the need for a lumbar drain placement.     

Subdural haematoma after trans-sphenoidal surgery

We report a patient with pituitary adenoma who developed a subdural haematoma following trans-sphenoidal surgery and conservative management of a postoperative CSF leak with a lumbar drain. The possible causes and methods of treatment are discussed and the neurosurgeon is alerted to the possibility of its development in similar situations.