Rf. Wetmore et al., ENDOSCOPIC REPAIR OF TRAUMATIC CSF RHINORRHEA IN A PEDIATRIC-PATIENT, International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology, 36(2), 1996, pp. 109-115
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea typically results from trauma to
the skull base, producing leaks through either the cribiform plate reg
ion or the sphenoid bone. Traditional approaches to the repair of such
leaks include a frontal craniotomy or external ethmoidectomy. An endo
scopic approach through the nose has also proven to be successful. A 7
-year-old male suffered traumatic CSF rhinorrhea and development of a
meningocele in the region of the cribiform plate. After demonstrating
the site of the leak with fluorescein dye, the defect was repaired via
a transnasal endoscopic approach. The evaluation of the child with CS
F rhinorrhea, including the presenting symptoms and signs and the radi
ographic assessment, is presented. The variety of approaches, types of
repair and post-operative care are also discussed.