Lumbar Drain After Endoscopic Surgery of the Skull Base
Lumbar Drain After Endoscopic Surgery of the Skull Base
The overall purpose of this study was to assess the necessity of lumbar drain placement after
 endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) surgery in reducing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
 postoperatively and promote a standardization of its use.
In the past, reconstructions were performed using fat grafts or fascia lata for EEA surgery.
 Considerably high postoperative CSF leaks were reported and were a major cause of concern due
 CSF fistula increasing risk of infection. Since external lumbar drain can lower CSF pressure
 and is believed to prevent post operative CSF leak, it was used commonly after EEA. With
 improvements in EEA skull base reconstructions using a nasal septal flap in the recent years,
 postoperative CSF leaks have been reported in much lower rates. With this improvement in
 reconstruction techniques, the use of lumbar drain may not be necessary as it may not
 significantly lower the risk of CSF leak further. In this prospective randomized study, we
 will randomize subjects at high risk for CSF leak to either receive a prophylactic lumbar
 drain or to not receive a prophylactic lumbar drain and compare the rate of CSF leaks and
 other complications in the two groups.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  18 years of age or older

 -  Patients undergoing EEA for resection of brain tumors

 -  Dural defect greater than 1cm

 -  Extensive arachnoid dissection

 -  Dissection into a ventricle or cistern

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Less than 18 years of age

 -  Spina Bifida