Prevention and Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery

Abstract

Evolution in surgical techniques, with particular attention to exposed air cell tracts, abdominal fat graft, and Palva periosteal flap for closure, has had a significant effect in decreasing the author's CSF leak rate after vestibular schwannoma surgery. Conservative management was successful in approximately 50% of cases. Repeat exploration, when needed, was directed at blocking the air cell tract (usually perimeatal or perilabyrinthine) responsible for the CSF leak.