Complications of spinal drainage in the management of cerebrospinal fluid fistula.

Continuous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage may be used in the treatment CSF fistula. The procedure, however, is not without risk. Marked gradients between the intracranial and intraspinal CSF pressures and intravasation of air through an unsealed fistula may produce serious neurological problems. The use of continuous CSF drainage requires an alert, informed nursing staff to avert catastrophe.