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Introduction : CSF leaks are the most common surgical complication in the posterior fossawhich can be minimized with watertight dural closure which can be done either with native available dura and if not available with other materials. Materials and Methods : Aim of the study was to compare the occurrence of CSF leak in posterior fossa surgeries where different dural closure materials are used. This was a 5 year retrospective cohort study, conducted in the department of Neurosurgery, Government medical college, Thrissur, Kerala, India. Results and Discussion : A total of 49 cases were included in the study. The mean age of the study was 44.86 16.99(4 years- 70 years).Out of the 49 cases 18(36.7%) were male patients and 31(63.3%) were female patients. Total posterior fossa procedures are distributed as CP angle tumor excision 27(55.1%), Foramen magnum decompression for chiari malformation 12(24.5%), Other tumors of posterior fossa 7(14.3%) and vascular lesions of posterior fossa 3(6.1%). Out of the total 49 cases 20 (40.85%) are closed with pericranium, 14 cases (28.6%) are closed with primary dura, 9 cases (18.4%) with fascia lata and 6(12.2%)are closed with artificial dural patch. Out of the total 49 procedures 10(20.4%) has CSF leak and no CSF leak detected in 39(79.6%). It is found that cases closed with pericranium has got a significant capacity to decrease the CSF leak 13 (65%) out of 20 cases (a24.43, df=1 p=0.035).Odds ratio found to be 0.21 that gives 79% protection against CSF leak(95% CI=0.047-0.0968). Conclusion : Study concludes that, in cases of posterior fossa surgeries, closure with pericranium has a significant protection against CSF leak. Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid leak, Posterior fossa surgeries, Dural closure methods.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a common surgery done for patients with TBI. An analysis of factors that determine the outcome and complications will go a long way in improving the prognosis of such patients.Methods: This is a single‑center, retrospective study of TBI patients who underwent DC from March 2016 to February 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Demographic profile, clinical data, radiological findings, intraoperative observations, postoperative complications, and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at discharge were noted.Results: 164 patients underwent DC. Road Traffic Accident was the most common cause (116 patients) 71%. The mortality rate among patients with a motor score of M1 was 73.8%, 77.8% in the M2 group, 54.4%, 34.6%, and 10.6% in M3, M4, and M5 groups respectively. The survival rate among patients with bilaterally dilated pupils was 18.1%. 48.3% and 62.1% in those with unequal and equal reactive pupils respectively. The most common pathology was subdural hemorrhage in 108 (65.9%). External cerebral herniation was seen in 62 cases (37.8%). The mortality rate was 39% (64 patients). Persistent vegetative state was noted in 6.1% (10 patients) and severe disability in 24.4% (40 patients). Poor outcome was seen in 69.5% (114 patients). Primary DC was done in 113 patients (68.9%) with a mortality rate of 39.8% (45 patients) and secondary DC in 51 patients (31.1%) with a mortality rate of 37.2% (19 patients).Conclusions: Preoperative low motor score and dilated pupils were associated with higher mortality rate. The most common pathologies were subdural hemorrhage (SDH) and contusion and external cerebral herniation was the most common complication. Primary DC had a higher mortality rate than secondary DC.

Background: Spinal tuberculosis is the most common location of extra pulmonary tuberculosis. ATT alone may not be suitable in all situations, especially when treating patients with risk of instability, progression of neurologic deficit, and failure of medical treatment. Surgical intervention is a major treatment modality for symptom relief in spinal tuberculosis.Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the immediate post-operative outcome in surgically treated patients with dorsolumbar spine tuberculosis at Department of Neurosurgery Government Medical College, Thrissur. All operated patients of dorsolumbar spinal tuberculosis during 2014 September to 2019 august were included under study.Results: A total of 57 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patient was 42.77 years. There were 40 males (70.2%) and 17 females (29.8%). 55 (96.5%) out of 57 patients were having sensory symptoms. 41 (71.9%) out of 57 patients were having motor symptoms. Bladder involvement 23 (40.4%) and bowel involvement 15 (26.3%) were also noted in the study. Sensory symptoms improvement in post-operative period was noted in 46 (80.7%). Motor symptoms improvement was observed in 23 (56.1%) out of 41. Bladder symptoms improved in 6 (26.1%) out of 23. There is improvement in clinical symptoms, neurological function immediately after surgery. Surgical patients have faster improvement and can be mobilized earlier. Improvement in sensory symptoms (96.5%), motor symptoms (56.1%) and bladder symptoms (26.1%) were noted in our study in the immediate post-operative period.Conclusions: There was significant immediate relief in symptoms and morbidity of patients undergoing surgical treatment for dorsolumbar spine tuberculosis.