The causes and prevention and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leak during transsphenoidal pituitary adenomas surgery

Objective To analyze the causes and prevention and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid leak during transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery.Methods Retrospective study of 260 cases of microscopic transsphenoidal surgery and 274 cases of endoscopic surgery for resection of the pituitary adenomas was performed.CSF leak occurred in 24 cases with microscopic surgery and in 22 cases with endoscopic surgery during operation.The sellar floors were sealed by artificial dried dura or free autogenic fat and fibrin glue for the CSF leakage during surgery.For giant tumors which extensively destroyed sella floor,we put bony plates in sphenoid sinus to support the crammed tissue.Lumber drainage was performed immediately after operation in 36 cases.Methods In the 46 patients with CSF leakage during surgery,13 cases occurred CSF leakage postoperatively,cured in 3-6 days after lumber drainage.6 patients occurred bacterial meningitis,cured after long term lumber drainage.Conclusion Probability of CSF leak before transsphenoidal surgery should be estimated,and preparation for the fixing up the leak is necessary.Using free autogenic fat and ebonite to repaired the sellar floors in case of CSF leakage during surgery is a effective measurement.Patients with CSF leakage or bacterial meningitis after surgery require lumber drainage. Key words: Cerebrospinal fluid leakage; Pituitary adenomas; Transsphenoidal surgery