CSF rhinorrhea: An overview of endoscopic repair

CSF rhinorrhea can be diagnosed with more accurate localizations of the site of leak with the help of modern radiological methods. The repair involves surgical intervention, which has changed from open craniotomy to minimally invasive techniques. Endoscopic repair has gained popularity in last decade and is being practiced by many neurosurgeons either alone or with their ENT colleagues. The overall success rate of endoscopic repairs has triggered several centers to adopt endoscopic repair as first line of treatment of CSF rhinorrhea. However the inexperience of neurosurgeon to sinus anatomy may pose some difficulties with the young neurosurgeons. The article presents a review of the techniques for confirmation of a CSF leak as well as endocscopic repair of CSF fistula.