Efficacy of cerebrospinal fluid fistula repair: sensitive quality control using the beta-trace protein test.

Background: After cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula repair, the goal of watertight sealing may not always be achieved, causing postoperative CSF leakage. The aim of this study was to assess the novel application of the beta-trace protein (betaTP) test for postoperative screening and confirmation of dura repair success.

Methods: Prospectively, we investigated 32 consecutive patients who underwent dura repair.