Q. After my sinus surgery, I experience a thin liquid dripping from my right nostril. Is it CSF leak?
Hello doctor,
I had sinus surgery about four months ago, to correct a severely deviated septum and to reduce the turbinates on both sides. I also had surgery previously on my face to reconstruct an impacted orbital bone and maxillary sinus on the left side of my face. Following the surgery, on my sinuses and septum, I had a clear thin liquid that would drip from only my right nostril when I would bend down or bend over to get something. It was a very thin liquid and I assumed it was just fluid draining from the surgery and that it was normal. Since then the draining has continued to happen when I bend over. I was never told by my ENT that a CSF leak was a potential complication that could occur with this surgery but after researching this symptom I have found out otherwise. I have a follow up scheduled with my ENT doctor but that is not for another month and a half. Is there a potential that it could be a CSF leak? Could it be still recovering from the surgery? Should I look to see if I can see someone sooner than a month and a half?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
With a septal correction and turbinate reduction surgery the chances of causing a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak as complications are remote because CSF leak occurs when you disrupt the skull base and in the surgeries you mentioned we do not touch the skull base. However, you have mentioned in one place that it is sinus surgery. Sinus surgery does have CSF leak as one of the dreaded complications. Could you pull out the exact details of your surgery and let us know? If possible can you upload the preoperative sinus CT scan films and report for us to check.
Before we panic, get the fluid collected in a clean sterile container and check for sugar and beta transferrin. These two tests will help us know whether the fluid is nasal discharge or CSF. If it is CSF indeed then you need to immediately get it corrected. CSF leak denotes there are potential leak and opening in the base of the skull and that any infection or bacteria can easily pass on the nose to the brain.
Was this answer helpful?
|
Ask a Query
Consult by Phone
Video Chat 
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Related Questions & Answers
Will I get benefit from sinus surgery?
Query: Hi doctor, I snore and wake up tired daily. Sometimes, my nose is runny all day. I have attached my CT report for your reference. I just wanted to know if surgery necessary. Will it benefit me? Please explain. Read Full »
I notice clear drainage from my nose after FESS. Is it due to chronic rhinitis?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a FESS done before five months. Shortly after I noticed clear drainage from my nose. I had a pledget study done that confirm a bilateral CSF leak. Five weeks ago, I had sx to repair it, however in sx under intrathecal fluorescein, and the surgeon could not locate the leak. Nose ... Read Full »
Popular
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask an ENT Otolaryngologist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.