Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak during Stapes Surgery: Gushing Leaks and Oozing Leaks, Two Different Phenomena

Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an uncommon event that can occur during stapes surgery. Such leaks can be classified as gushing leaks (stapes gushers) and oozing leaks. A stapes gusher is a massive flow of CSF through the perforated footplate that fills the middle ear suddenly, while an oozing leak is a slower and less profuse flow. We conducted a retrospective, observational, multicenter study of 38 patients—23 men and 15 women, aged 23 to 71 years (mean: 47)—who had experienced a CSF leak during stapes surgery. Patients were divided into various groups according to the type of surgical procedure performed and the type of postoperative complications they experienced. Audiometric and clinical evaluations were carried out pre- and postoperatively. Correlations among surgical variations (total or partial stapedectomy, placement of a prosthesis), hearing outcomes, and the incidence of postoperative complications (postoperative CSF leak and vertigo) were studied. Our statistical analysis revealed that gushing leaks and oozing leaks result in different degrees of hearing impairment and different rates of complications. We recommend that an individual approach be used to manage these complications.