Craniotomy repair with the retrosigmoid approach: the impact on quality of life of meticulous reconstruction of anatomical layers.

Abstract

Various cranial repairs have been described to limit the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, the rate of infections, postoperative headache and local discomfort in patients undergoing cerebello-pontine angle surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a feasible craniotomy procedure and cranial repair technique, which does not require bone replacers or filling materials, on postoperative outcome. We analysed postoperative results in a series of 34 patients undergoing cerebello-pontine angle surgery. We observed a statistically significant reduced incidence of local discomfort, postoperative headache and CSF leak in patients who underwent such a reconstructive technique compared to those undergoing retrosigmoid craniectomy.