Management of Intractable Cerebrospinal Fluid Collection after Cerebellar Tumor Resection: A Case Report. |
Eun Young Rha, Deuk Young Oh, Hye Young Kim, Jung Ho Lee, Suk Ho Moon, Je Won Seo, Jong Won Rhie, Sang Tae Ahn |
Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. ohdeuk1234@hanmail.net |
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Abstract |
PURPOSE CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) leakage is the most common complication of neurosurgery. Early management with conservative care or surgery must be followed appropriately due to the increased risk of lethal complications, such as meningitis. We report a case of intractable CSF leakage that occurred after a cerebellar tumor resection, which was treated successfully.
METHODS: A 53-year old male consulted our department for continuous CSF leakage for 3 months after having received conservative care and lumbar drainage. CSF collection was observed in the dead space of the posterior fossa after a cerebellar tumor resection and postoperative radiotherapy.
Using a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap, the dead space within the skull was filled and the defects were covered successfully.
RESULTS At 6 weeks after surgery, the follow-up MRI and CT revealed proper coverage and filling in the area where cerebellar tumor had been removed. No CSF leakage was observed at the postoperative 3 month follow-up.
CONCLUSION Recurrent CSF leakage was treated after cerebellar tumor resection with a relatively satisfactory result. In terms of the patient's treatment, much better results can be achieved by performing dead space filling using a flap with a sufficient size, in addition to coverage of the defects of the dura. |
Keywords:
Cerebellar neoplasms; Cerebrospinal fluid leakage; Free latissimus dorsi muscle flap |
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