Comparison of the success rate of fascia lata graft and temporal muscle fascia graft in endoscopic treatment of anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to describe our experiences of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and assess success rate of fascia lata and temporal fascia of repairing the skull base defects Material and Methods: Patients with CSF rhinorrhea managed by department of otolaryngology from 2007 to 2021 were included. Demographic information, site of leak, etiology, body mass index (BMI), surgical approach, graft material, and any recurrence of leak of the patients was collected. Results: Out of the 66 patients included in the study, 25 were male and 41 were female and the median age was found to be 43.7 (ranging from 19 to 72). The median Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to be 27.5 (ranging from 19 to 46). The success rate of endoscopic method in repairing CSF rhinorrhea was found to be 90.4%. Fascia lata was used as graft material in 35 patients, while temporal muscle fascia was used in 31 patients. Recurrent rhinorrhea was detected in 5 of 31 patients (16.1%) in whom temporal muscle fascia was used as a graft, while recurrence was detected in 2 of 35 patients (5.7%) in whom fascia lata graft was used (p=0.170). While rhinorrhea recurrence was detected in 6 of 27 obese patients (22.2%), revision surgery was required in only 1 (2.6%) non-obese patient (p=0.011). Complications such as hematoma, alopecia and leg pain related to the graft site were seen in 4 operated patients. Conclusion: Patients presenting with CSF rhinorrhea can be successfully treated with endoscopic sinus surgery. The success rate of using temporal fascia graft and fascia lata graft in defect repair is similar in rhinorrhea repair. In our study, it was determined that the only factor affecting treatment success was high BMI.