Risk Factors for Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Craniopharyngioma: A Multicenter Cohort Study with a Contemporary Surgeon Practice Survey.

Publication/Presentation Date

4-7-2026

Abstract

PURPOSE: This multicenter, multi-surgeon retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors for postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following endonasal resection of craniopharyngioma, while evaluating the "perception gap" through a surgeon survey.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 416 patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for craniopharyngioma from 20 institutions. Factors were compared between patients with and without postoperative CSF leak, and between Early (2007-2015) and Late (2016-2025) Epochs. Complementing the clinical data, a survey of 19 neurosurgeons captured expert perspectives on risk stratification and management strategies.

RESULTS: Overall postoperative CSF leak rate was 13.5% (56/416 patients). Univariate analysis identified predominantly cystic tumors (34% vs. 21%,

CONCLUSION: Despite increased use of NSF, CSF leak persists. The study highlights a significant divergence between expert perception and clinical data regarding lumbar drains.

ISSN

2693-5015

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

41994110

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

Share

COinS