Factors Influencing Probability of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage in Spinal Surgery Following Intentional or Accidental Durotomy, With Special Emphasis on Modes of Management

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a well-known risk following various spinal procedures. Different methods of management have been described.In this study 34 spinal cases (17 with accidental and 17 with intentional durotomy) were evaluated and followed up for CSF leakage.The percentage of cases with post-operative CSF leakage was calculated for each method of management. Of the studied cases, post-operative CSF leakage was absent in 23 cases (68%) and present in 11 cases (32%). It was found that CSF leakage was least likely to occur with water-tight duralsutures(either alone or combined with fat graft or muscle graft), and was most likely to occur in cases where the dural tear was not sutured