Kazuhito Takeuchi1, Tetsuya Nagatani2, Toshihiko Wakabayashi3. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan. mail@wajit.com. 2. Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital, Aichi, Japan. 3. Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Skull base reconstruction after extended transsphenoidal surgery is essential to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. METHODS: A novel and simple technique for skull base reconstruction termed "shoelace dural closure" was devised. The dura mater was closed with a fat graft using a continuous running suture with both ends of a double-armed suture. CONCLUSIONS: The shoelace dural closure is an effective method for achieving watertight closure of the anterior skull base without the use of lumbar drains, fascia lata grafts, or nasoseptal flaps.
BACKGROUND: Skull base reconstruction after extended transsphenoidal surgery is essential to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage. METHODS: A novel and simple technique for skull base reconstruction termed "shoelace dural closure" was devised. The dura mater was closed with a fat graft using a continuous running suture with both ends of a double-armed suture. CONCLUSIONS: The shoelace dural closure is an effective method for achieving watertight closure of the anterior skull base without the use of lumbar drains, fascia lata grafts, or nasoseptal flaps.