Collagen matrix duraplasty for posterior fossa surgery: evaluation of surgical technique in 52 adult patients

Object Complete dural closure is not always possible following posterior fossa surgery, often requiring a graft to secure complete closure. The authors report their experience of using a collagen matrix as an onlay dural graft for repair of a posterior fossa dural defect. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 52 adult patients who had undergone collagen matrix duraplasty for the posterior fossa. Complications directly related to the dural graft, the presence or absence of hydrocephalus, and the role of closed suction wound drainage in relation to postsurgical pseudomeningoceles were analyzed. Results The indication for posterior fossa surgery was tumors in 32 patients, vascular abnormalities in 9 patients, and spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage in 11 patients. Closed suction wound drainage was used in 23 patients (44.2%). Forty-eight (92.3%) of 52 patients had a dural defect > 2 cm. Nine (81.8%) of 11 patients with hydrocephalus required ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Complications of the surgery included pseudomeningoceles in 2 patients (3.8%; no closed suction wound drainage); superficial wound infections in 1 patient (1.9%; with closed suction wound drainage); and unexplained eosinophilia in 1 patient. Conclusions Duraplasty using a collagen matrix is safe and effective in the posterior fossa, and is easy to use and time efficient. Meticulous layered wound closure, the detection and effective control of hydrocephalus, and the use of closed suction wound drainage reduces complications related to collagen matrix duraplasty for the posterior fossa.