Craniotomy repair with the retrosigmoid approach: the impact on quality of life of meticulous reconstruction of anatomical layers

Introduction: Various cranial repairs have been described to limit the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, the rate of infections, postoperative headache and local discomfort in patients undergoing cerebello-pontine angle surgery. Materials and methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a feasible craniotomy procedure and cranial repair technique, which does not require bone replacers or filling materials, on postoperative outcome. We analysed postoperative results in a series of 34 patients undergoing cerebello-pontine angle surgery. Discussion and conclusions: We observed a statistically significant reduced incidence of local discomfort, postoperative headache and CSF leak in patients who underwent such a reconstructive technique compared to those undergoing retrosigmoid craniectomy. © 2011 Springer-Verlag