Management of incidental durotomy without mandatory bed rest - A retrospective review of 20 cases

Study Design. A retrospective review of 20 patients with incidental durotom y treated without mandatory bed rest. Objectives. To determine whether patients with incidental durotomy can be t reated effectively without multiple days of bed rest. Summary of Background Data. Incidental durotomy can cause postural headache s, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, photophobia, tinnitus, and vertigo. These s ymp toms are believed to result from a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid pres sure, leading to traction on the supporting structures of the brain. Tradit ional management includes bed rest for up to 7 days to eliminate traction a nd reduce hydrostatic pressure during the healing process. Methods. Twenty incidental durotomies were repaired intraoperatively with d ural stitches and fibrin glue. Patients were allowed to ambulate according to the natural course after surgery without mandatory bed rest. Symptoms we re monitored closely for 1 week, and long-term follow-up assessments were o btained at a minimum of 10 months. Results. Of the 20 patients in this study, 75% had no symptoms after repair of the incidental durotomy. Each of the dural tears was 1-3 mm in length. Two patients reported headache, two reported nausea, and one reported tinni tus; no patients experienced vomiting. One patient (5%) had stitch loosenin g requiring revision surgery. There were no additional serious complication s. Conclusions. This study has shown that the majority of patients with incide ntal durotomy can be treated effectively with dural stitches and fibrin glu e. Patients can be permitted to ambulate immediately after surgery but shou ld be cautioned to lay flat: if they develop symptoms. This will reduce the costs related to the hospital stay and missed work.