Bath‐plug technique for the endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks in children

ABSTRACT Importance The safety and efficacy of the bath‐plug technique for the closure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in children remain unknown. Objective We undertook this study to ascertain whether the bath‐plug technique was safe and effective for the repair of CSF leaks. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent endoscopic repair of CSF leaks with the fat graft as a plug‐in at Beijing Children's Hospital from March 2016 to May 2020. Demographic data, medical history, defect sites and sizes, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. One representative clinical case was additionally selected to highlight the procedure and the healing process. Results A total of 18 pediatric patients were included in this study. The group was composed of 11 boys and seven girls, aged from 5 to 123 months. The etiologies included congenital CSF leaks (n = 9) and head trauma (n = 9). Among all patients, 12 fistulas (66.7%) were located at the cribriform plate area, two (11.1%) at the roof of the ethmoid sinuses, two (11.1%) in the sphenoid sinus, and two (11.1%) at the frontal sinus. The maximum diameters of fistulas ranged from 5 to 20 mm, with a median value of 8 mm. Encephaloceles were identified in 14 (77.8%) patients. No hydrocephalus was recognized. All CSF leaks were successfully repaired with a bath‐plug technique. Follow‐up ranged from 50 to 70 months. No surgical complications were encountered in any patient. Interpretation Bath‐plug technique is safe and reliable for the endoscopic management of CSF leaks in children. Meticulous peri‐operative preparations are important for pediatric patients.