INCIDENCE OF COMPLICATIONS IN ENDOSCOPIC REPAIR OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID RHINORRHEA

Abstract

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a potentially serious condition associated with risks of meningitis and other intracranial complications if left untreated.

Objective: To determine the incidence of complications associated with endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, PINS Lahore from June 2025 to October 2025, including 80 patients to determine the incidence of complications associated with endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. 

Results: The mean age was 41.8 ± 10.2 years and mean BMI was 27.1 ± 3.8 kg/m². Traumatic leaks were most common (42.5%) and ethmoid was the predominant defect site (48.8%). Overall complications occurred in 14 (17.5%) patients, while 82.5% had no complications. Recurrence of CSF leak (5.0%) and persistent leak (3.8%) were the most frequent complications. Meningitis and anosmia each occurred in 2.5%. Complications were significantly associated with obesity (p=0.04), spontaneous leaks (p=0.03), and sphenoid defects (p=0.02). No intracranial hemorrhage or mortality was observed.

Conclusion: Endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea is a safe and effective procedure with a low incidence of complications. Elevated BMI, spontaneous leaks, and sphenoid defects may be associated with increased postoperative risk. Careful patient selection and postoperative monitoring may improve outcomes.