OBJECTIVETo report the results of endoscopic transpterygoid intervention of nine patients with meningoencephalocele and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks within lateral recess of sphenoid sinus (LRSS). The diagnosis, operative techniques and their related problems were discussed.

METHODSNine hospitalized patients with meningoencephalocele and CSF leaks within lateral recess of sphenoid sinus (LRSS) were included in this paper. Six were male and 3 were female, aged from 27 to 56 years old. Two patients had the histories of endoscopic repair. The preoperative orientation of CSF leaks and meningoencephalocele depended on CT scan and MR cisternography. Endoscopic transpterygoid intervention and the repair of skull base defects were undertaken under general anesthesia.

RESULTSAll the operations were successful. One patient had a postoperative intracranial hypertension and Hydrocephalus. Two patients had postoperative ipsilateral facial, upper lip and palatal hypesthesia. One of them had a xerophthalmia. All the symptoms above mentioned relieved gradually 6 months after operation. No recurrence was found during follow -up for 6 to 58 months (mean 25. 6 months).

CONCLUSIONSEndoscopic transpterygoid intervention for meningoencephalocele and CSF leaks within LRSS is a minimally invasive technique and a straightforward approach.