Is endoscopic repair a successful method in the treatment of CSF Rhinorrhoea? a retrospective study

Abstract

BackgroundCSF rhinorrhoea is an important condition that can lead to morbidity and mortality. The endoscopic method has become the gold standard today for the treatment of nasal CSF fistulae. Many authors have shared their experience in endoscopic CSF leak repair but Sri Lankan data are not available. Hence, it is important to retrospectively audit the Sri Lankan practice. The study aimed at analysing the demographic data and success rates of endoscopic CSF leak repair. MethodologyIt is a retrospective study. Clinical records of all the patients who have undergone endoscopic CSF leak repair at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka during the past 7 years were included in the study. Results29 patients were included in the study. Whilst 20(69%) patients were having spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea 9(31%) patients had a traumatic aetiology. Out of the patients with spontaneous CSF leak repair 16(80%) were females. The overall success rate of the surgery was 93% which was keeping the international published data. ConclusionEndoscopic CSF repair is a method which is globally accepted and has a very low morbidity and mortality.