leaking spinal flui through whole in sinuses - Sinus Problems Message Board

smc612 · 09-15-2005, 02:56 PM

my husband had sinus surgery 7 years ago so he had a weakened sinus wall. last november had major back surgery. 2 months later noticed he was leaking from his sinuses. went to the ENT surgeon who told him it was spinal fluid from his back surgery. when they realeased the spinal flui after surgery it had so much impact that it blew a whole in his sinuses. at that time he was told he could get meniginits at any time with the spinal fluid and sinus fluid mixing. had sinus surgery in may. a chunk of muscle was taken from his belly and a skin graft from behind his ear. thought the surgery was a success until 2 weeks ago when his nose started leaking again. saw the surgeonwho reffered him to another specialist. they told him last time if the surgery didn't work he would need a craniotomy. they would have to repair his sinuses through his skull. he already said he will never have that done. sees the new dr. tomorrow and we are scared to death. anyone ever hear of this? if he doesn't have the second surgery i am afraid he will contact menigitis. we are at out wits end.

flintrock · 09-15-2005, 09:15 PM

My sister had surgery in Feb for spinal fuid buildup and had surgery on the back of her scull (lower neck area) surgery was a success and she is now healthy!! She said she would do it again in a heartbeat!! Wasn't so bad...

smc612 · 09-16-2005, 02:36 AM

oh flintrock you are a God send. no one i know including some dr.s have heard of this. people think we are crazy. dr. told my husband they would probably cut the front of his head from ear to ear. sees a new specialist today. the way your sister's was done doesn't seem as horrible.how long ago did she have it done? why did she have spinal fluid backup? do they know what caused it in the first place? how long a recuperation was there? did they have to drain the spinal fluid or did it invlolve her sinuses also that had to be repaired? so many questions.

carly2349 · 09-26-2005, 11:25 PM

Well that's a known problem. All the ENT guys know about cases like this. Its something that must be taken care of.

So what was your husband's decision?