Sphenoid Sinus Meningocoele	Ethmoid Sinus Meningocoele

CSF Leaks and Meningocoeles

Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, the liquid that bathes and cushions the brain, through the nasal passages can occur either spontaneously or as a results of prior brain, skull base or sinus surgery. Sometimes the covering of the brain can herniate into the sinuses causing a CSF leak - this is called a “Meningocoele.”  If some of the brain also herniates into the sinuses this is called an “Encephalocoele. If brain fluid leaks out through the nose, there is a risk of acquiring an infection of the brain called meningitis or encephalitis. Thus, the area of the leak must be closed as soon as possible. Traditionally, a large skull opening was required to see the site of the leak after lifting up the frontal lobe of the brain. Now, with minimally-invasive endoscopic techniques, the site of the fluid leak can be approached through the nose and fixed, without touching the brain or opening up the skull.

CSF leak / Meningocoele Watch a video of a meningocoele repair.