Pediatric skull base surgery: Encephaloceles and cerebrospinal fluid leaks

In recent years, endoscopic endonasal approaches to the pediatric skull base have become an increasingly popular method for treatment of a variety of malignant and benign lesions. These approaches have largely evolved from experience in adult patients and can be an excellent alternative to open procedures in carefully selected patients. Pediatric encephaloceles can be addressed via open craniotomy, transpalatal, and endoscopic endonasal methods. The surgical approach should be dictated by the anatomy of the patient as well as the size and location of the encephalocele in question. Pediatric cerebrospinal fluid leaks can occur due to iatrogenic causes during skull base resections or sinus surgery, as well as from traumatic injury. Multiple options for repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks exist, but endoscopic nasoseptal flaps are among the most commonly utilized reconstruction options.