Skull Base Dural Closure Using a Modified Nonpenetrating Clip Device via an Endoscopic Endonasal Approach: Technical Note

Skull base reconstruction after an endoscopic endonasal approach into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space is always challenging. Various reconstructive methods are available, but no standard technique is established. This report describes the endoscopic skull base dural closure using a modified nonpenetrating clip device with shaft length of 15 cm. Six patients with an intra-suprasellar or suprasellar tumor who underwent extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery were targeted. For closure of the skull base dural defect after tumor removal, fascia lata was first placed as an inlay graft and was subsequently fixed with the dura using a modified nonpenetrating clip device. No CSF leakage from the closed dura with an inlay fascia lata fixed with clips was confirmed by the Valsalva maneuver. To complete skull base reconstruction, fascia lata was then positioned as an overlay graft and covered with vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flaps. Five of six patients experienced no CSF rhinorrhea postoperatively. The modified nonpenetrating clip device may achieve effective dural closure in the deep and narrow nasal cavity. We introduce this clip device technique as one of the endoscopic skull base dural closure methods.