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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 1 ( January-April, 2011 ) > List of Articles

REVIEW ARTICLE

Transmastoid Repair of Temporal Meningoencephaloceles and Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea

Werner Garavello, Lorenzo Gaini, Diego Zanetti

Keywords : Temporal bone,Meningoencephalic hernia,Cerebrospinal fluid leak,Transmastoid

Citation Information : Garavello W, Gaini L, Zanetti D. Transmastoid Repair of Temporal Meningoencephaloceles and Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2011; 3 (1):31-41.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10003-1052

Published Online: 01-08-2011

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2011; The Author(s).


Abstract

This paper reviews the diagnosis and treatment of temporal bone meningoencephaloceles, defined as the herniation of meninges or brain tissue into empty spaces within the temporal bone, i.e. tympanic or mastoid cavity, through the tegmen tympani or antri respectively. It also describes the current methods of control of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, which commonly present as serous otorrhea or rhinorrhea in addition to a variety of symptoms, such as conductive hearing loss. Imaging is the mainstay of the diagnostic process. Management of the condition is surgical, and this review outlines the surgical options with special emphasis on the transmastoid approach and the materials applicable for repair of the bony dehiscences.


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