POST-LAMINECTOMY CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID FISTULA TREATED WITH EPIDURAL BLOOD PATCH

Objectives and Summary of Background Data. Cerebrospinal fluid fistula after spinal surgery is associated with a definite risk of meningitis or discitis, and as a result, early active intervention usually is re commended. Methods and Results. This report describes the successful u se of an epidural blood patch after a more conventional intervention-n amely, surgical re-exploration-had failed to control a postoperative c erebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusions. The techniques involved in perfo rming a blood patch after spinal surgery may well differ from those us ually recommended in the management of spinal headache resulting from other causes of dural puncture.