Transnasal endoscopic closure of cerebrospinal fluid leaks

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To demonstrate an effective method for transnasal endoscopic closure of anterior skull base fistulas that does not involve lumbar drains or fat packing. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 36 patients who had 37 anterior skull base defects that were repaired endoscopically between 1993 and 2001. RESULTS: Thirty-three defects were successfully closed on the first attempt. Three were successfully closed on the second attempt. One large defect was repaired by neurosurgery after a failed endoscopic attempt. Our results are similar to those of other published series. CONCLUSION: Our method is effective and does not require adjuvant procedures or prolonged hospital stays.