STUDY DESIGN:
This report describes the treatment of chronic subarachnoid--pleural fistulae using a pedicled greater omentum transfer flap.
OBJECTIVE:
To describe a new technique for the management of chronic subarachnoid--pleural fistulae resulting from thoracic dural tears.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
Thoracic dural tears with leakage of cerebral spinal fluid into the pleural space can occur after thoracic spine surgery. The treatment of chronic subarachnoid--pleural fistulae using an omental flap, however, has not been reported.
METHODS:
The clinical, radiographic, and surgical details of two cases are described.
RESULTS:
Pedicled greater omentum transferred to the thoracic spine was an effective method in the treatment of intractable thoracic dural tears for two patients.
CONCLUSION:
These cases demonstrate that pedicled greater omentum transferred to the thoracic spine can be a safe and effective technique for the management of intractable thoracic dural tears and their complications.