Abstract

REYES-MORENO, I.  and  VERHEGGEN, R.. Time sparing and effective procedure for dural closure in the posterior fossa using a vicryl mesh (Ethisorb®): un procedimiento simple y efectivo. Neurocirugía [online]. 2006, vol.17, n.6, pp.527-531. ISSN 1130-1473.

Introduction. Dural defects and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a common problem following posterior fossa surgery. The management includes either nonoperative management (e.g. external lumbar drainage) or surgical re-exploration. Objectives. We present our surgical, clinical and histopathological experience of dural closure in the posterior fossa. In order to avoid CSF leaks we developed a simple but effective and time-sparing method using a well-cut sheet of a vicryl-poly-pdioxanone mesh (Ethisorb®) covering the whole defect of the craniectomy. Additional fibrin glue or sealant is not necessary. Special attention was focused upon the frequency of postoperative complications, in particular infection rate and CSF leaks. Patients. 85 patients were treated with vicryl mesh as dural substitute after posterior fossa surgery due to distinct pathologies. An illustrative case is presented. Results. In none of the patients a postoperative infection was observed. Four patients presented postoperative CSF leakage and were treated by percutaneous lumbar drainage. Three of the patients improved completely, requiring no additional treatment. Only in one case defect covered by a vicryl mesh, a surgical reexploration became necessary. Conclusion. We consider the vicryl mesh (Ethisorb®) as an ideal dural substitute especially for the dural closure of the posterior fossa.

Keywords : CSF leaks; Dural closure; Dural substitutes; Posterior fossa surgery; Vicryl mesh.

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