Main description:

This comprehensive book is divided into 6 parts that cover all topics related to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF ) rhinorrea. It provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge, and includes teaching material as well as evidence-based scientific content.The introductory part presents the skull base anatomy, CSF physiology, pathophysiology of skull base defects as well as the role of imaging in this condition. The second and third parts provide details of different diagnostic features and conservative management. The fourth and central part thoroughly illustrates surgical approaches for this clinical condition and follows a similar structure, describing each surgical procedure step-by-step. The fifth part sheds light on the postoperative management and the long-term follow up, while the last part addresses miscellaneous topics, such as quality of life, outcome measures, and medico-legal issues.

The book is enriched by a wealth of high-quality figures and online videos that illustrate real-world clinical cases, and each chapter features a summary box, key points and a conclusion. The contributors are leading experts in the field and include authorities and inventors of skull base surgical approaches and reconstruction techniques. The multidisciplinary panel of authors - from 6 continents - consists of neurosurgeons, radiologists and anesthesiologists. The book is intended for medical, surgical and paramedic professionals, and is a valuable resource for all levels - from medical students to consultants.

Contents:

1 Skull base development and anatomy.- 2 Imaging of skull base.- 3 Physiology of CSF.- 4 Pathophysiology of skull base defect and CSF leak.- 5 Clinical presentation of CSF leak.- 6 Fluid analysis in rhinorrhea.- 7 Role of radiology in CSF leak.- 8 Use of fluorescein.- 9 Diagnostic algorithm for CSF leak.- 10 Conservative management of CSF leak.- 11 Traumatic CSF leaks.- 12 Spontaneous CSF leaks: Intracranial hypertension, Neoplasms, Idiopathic.- 13 Multidisciplinary approach to CSF leak.- 14 History of surgical approaches and techniques for skull base reconstruction.- 15 Operative room set-up and instrumentation.- 16 Role of anesthesiologist.- 17 Synthetic materials for skull base reconstruction.- 18 Free autologous graft.- 19 Local pedicled flaps.- 20 Regional pedicled flap.- 21 Micro-vascular free flap.- 22 Anterior cranial fossa CSF leak repair.- 23 Middle & Posterior cranial fossa CSF leak repair.- 24 The proper use of reconstructive material.- 25 External approaches for skull base reconstruction.- 26 Post-operative instructions.- 27 Surgical complications of skull base reconstruction.- 28 Failure of CSF leak repair.- 29 Role of lumbar drain in CSF leak.- 30 Long-term follow up strategy.- 31 Pediatric CSF leak.- 32 Outcomes of skull base reconstruction.- 33 Abnormal presentation of CSF leak.- 34 Management of benign intracranial hypertension.- 35 Evidence based medicine in CSF leak and skull base reconstruction.- 36 Quality of life and Outcome measures in CSF leak.- 37 Surgical competence in CSF leak repair.- 38 Patients advocacy and medico-legal issues.