Comparative analysis of dural reconstruction methods in open brain surgery for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage

Aim. A comparative evaluation of dural reconstruction results using different material: patient’s own tissues (periosteal fragments, m. temporalis fascia or fascia lata), dural graft implants, collagen matrix, as well as evaluation of adhesive compositions effect for dural sutures sealing. Methods. Results of different types of dural reconstruction used in 243 patients operated between 2009 and 2012 were analyzed. Additional materials were required to complete dural reconstruction in 91 cases. Three patient groups were formed depending on the type of plastic material: patient’s own tissues, artificial materials and collagen matrix without suture fixation. In first two groups, sutures fixed plastic material, adhesive compositions or collagen materials were used as sealant in some cases. Effect in postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage preventing was assessed for different plastic materials, as well as for additional dural sealants. Results. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage frequency was similar (p >0.05) regardless of the type of plactic material (patient’s own tissues, dural graft implants, collagen matrix) use and was assessed as 26.2, 29.0 and 27.8% accordingly. In subgroups where sutures between dura mater and graft were additionally strengthened by adhesive compositions or collagen stripes, cerebrospinal fluid leakage rate (23.3%) was lower (p <0.05) compared to subgroups without sealant (44.4%). Conclusion. The type of plastic material does not matter for effective cerebrospinal fluid leakage prevention. Additional sealing of recovered dura mater reduces the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

dura mater, dural reconstruction, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, dural sealant