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The management of massive pneumocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea as a consequence of biopsy in a patient with inverted papilloma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

U. S. Kale
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough, UK.
S. G. Raje
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough, UK.
R. G. Wight*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Richard G. Wight, F.R.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Newport Road, Middlesbrough TS1 5JE.

Abstract

Nasal polypectomy is a common ENT operation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea and pneumocephalus are rare complications. We present a patient who developed both these complications after biopsy of nasal polyps which subsequently proved to be an inverted papilloma. He had a defect in the ethmoid roof, which was repaired.

Whilst endoscopic repair of CSF leak is increasing in popularity, in this patient because of his pathology and difficulty of access a more traditional lateral rhinotomy approach was made with a successful outcome. An overview of the management of these complications is presented.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1998

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