Symposium: Congenital anomalies of the middle ear. IV. Management of profuse perilymph leak.

Profuse perilymph leak during an otological operation can be controlled by inserting an epidural teflon cannula into the lumbar subarachnoid space and draining away the excess spinal fluid. After about 100 cc is removed the perilymph leak stops, and the oval window can be sealed with a living seal, such as vein, and the operation completed. The catheter is left in the subarachnoid space for about four days, with a bottle on the distal end positioned to remove no more than 150 cc of spinal fluid per day. Results with two patients in which this maneuver was used to control profuse perilymph leak are reported.