Objective: To find out the best surgical approach and repair material in repairing cerebrospinal rhinorrhea by comparing their characteristics.
Method: The clinical data of 54 cases from March 1983 to June 2001 with continuous cerebrospinal rhinorrhea treated by different approaches and repair materials were retrospective analyzed.
Result: The highest recurrent rate was by anterior cranial fossa approach, while the lowest was by nasal endoscope. The bleeding volume in nasal endoscope approach was less than other surgical approaches with the significant differences (P <0.01). Galea frontalis myofascial flap and fascia lata were often used to repair fistula in operation.
Conclusion: Nasal endoscope is the best approach. Cranionasal combination approach can be used in cases with larger defect in basis crania by galea frontalis myofascial flap reparation. The proper approach and repair materials should be selected according to the practical situation.