A TECHNIQUE TO REDUCE CSF LEAKAGE AFTER ACOUSTIC NEUROMA SURGERY

Leakage of CSF remains a frequent complication of acoustic neuroma sur gery in contrast with the significant reductions achieved in mortality and morbidity. The rate of CSF leakage following acoustic neuroma exc ision is presented for 49 consecutive patients. The first 23 operation s were performed before the introduction of a new technique for sealin g off air cells in the internal auditory meatus and the following 26 w ith this new method. CSF leakage occurred in nine of the first 23 pati ents compared with one of 26 patients using this method (p<0.01). The two groups were similar for tumour size and facial nerve preservation rate. The technique, which avoids the need for a second donor site wou nd or continuous lumbar drainage, is described and factors leading to CSF leakage are discussed.