CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID DRAINAGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CSF LEAK FOLLOWING ACOUSTIC NEUROMA SURGERY

A retrospective analysis was performed on 174 patients operated on fro m 1992 to 1995 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous lumba r cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CLCFD) in the management of cerebrospi nal fluid (CSF) leaks following acoustic neuroma surgery. There was a 17% incidence of CSF leak, CLCFD stopped the leak in 87% of cases. The re were no cases of meningitis associated with CLCFD. One deep vein th rombosis was treated without sequelae, It is concluded that CLCFD is s afe and efficacious. The authors recommend that CLCFD be implemented i mmediately when indicated, foregoing a trial of conservative therapy. Indications and precautions are discussed.