[CSF leaks--diagnostic and therapeutic approach].

The paper presents the classification of the CSF leaks and their etiology. The authors insist on the post surgical causes and on the modem diagnostic procedures such as 2 transferrin and trace protein determination and high resolution CT. They also present their own experience in repairing defects from the anterior skull base under endoscopic control. A lot of 20 patients with CSF leak is presented and the types of approach are discussed. If the defect is in the sphenoid sinus the obliterative techniques are preferred. The ethmoidal roof defects are covered with onlay or underlay procedures depending on their dimensions. The results are compared with those from the literature. The authors conclude that the CSF leaks in the anterior and middle skull base are mainly due to trauma or iatrogenic. A clear diagnostic algorithms and a correct selection of the cases suitable for endoscopic approach are required.