{"id":"67f306b2-cfcc-4653-81d6-6259fafdee3a","slug":"subfascial-drains-are-safe-and-effective-in-preventing-postoperative-cerebrospinal-fluid-leaks-after-intradural-spine-tumor-surgery","title":"Subfascial drains are safe and effective in preventing postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks after intradural spine tumor surgery","authors":["Julie Mayeku","Esteban Quiceno","Christina Cannata","Giovanni Barbagli","Amna Hussein","Nikhil Dholaria","Michael Prim","Ali A. Baaj"],"abstract":"Background: Delayed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a known complication following intradural spinal tumor surgery. The placement of subfascial drains in these patients undergoing requisite intradural surgery is controversial. Here, we demonstrated that placing a subfascial drain on partial suction for 48 h, with early ambulation, proved to be safe and effective in preventing early/delayed recurrent CSF fistulas. Methods: Medical records of 17 patients undergoing surgery for intradural spinal tumors over a 30-month were reviewed. All patients underwent intradural tumor resection followed by primary dural closure, placement of Gelfoam in a non-compressive fashion, application of fibrin sealant, and utilization of a subfascial drain placed on partial suction for 48 h postoperatively. Patients are mobilized the morning following surgery. We tracked the incidence of postoperative recurrent CSF leaks, over drainage, infection, wound dehiscence, pseudo meningocele formation, and the reoperation rate. Results: For the 17 patients, our programmed average utilization of subfascial drains was 48 h. Moreover, the average drain output was 165 mL. Over the 1-year follow-up period, no patient developed a recurrent early/ delayed CSF leak, there were no wound complications, nor need for revision surgery. Conclusion: Utilizing subfascial drains on partial suction following the resection of intradural spinal tumors with primary dural closure proved to be safe and effective.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/67f306b2-cfcc-4653-81d6-6259fafdee3a/featured/hero-1781559809174.png","publishDate":"2024-01-12T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_934_2023","categories":["Spine","Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/12705/SNI-15-8.pdf"}