PEG hydrogel sealant versus fibrin glue in posterior fossa surgery: an economic comparison across five European countries.

Aim: Posterior cranial fossa (PCF) surgery is associated with complications, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Dural sealants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels and fibrin glue can prevent CSF leaks, with evidence suggesting PEG hydrogels may outperform fibrin glue. However, the budget impact of using PEG hydrogels in PCF surgeries in Europe is unclear. Materials & methods: A decision tree was developed based on a previous US model, to assess the budget impact of switching from fibrin glue to PEG hydrogel in PCF surgery across five European countries. Input costs were derived from published sources for the financial year 2022/2023. Health outcomes, including CSF leaks, were considered. Results: The model predicted that using PEG hydrogel instead of fibrin glue in PCF surgery can lead to cost savings in five European countries. Cost savings per patient ranged from EUR 419 to EUR 1279, depending on the country. Sensitivity analysis showed that the incidence of CSF leaks and pseudomeningoceles had a substantial impact on the model's results. Conclusion: PEG hydrogels may be a cost-effective alternative to fibrin glue in PCF surgery. The model predicted that cost savings would be mainly driven by a reduction in the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks, resulting in reduced reliance on lumbar drains, reparative surgery and shortened hospital stays.

Clinical and technical factors in endoscopic skull base surgery associated with reconstructive success.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we identified key discrete clinical and technical factors that may correlate with primary reconstructive success in endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). METHODS: ESBS cases with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks at four tertiary academic rhinology programs were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression identified factors associated with surgical outcomes by defect subsite (anterior cranial fossa [ACF], suprasellar [SS], purely sellar, posterior cranial fossa [PCF]). RESULTS: Of 706 patients (50.4% female), 61.9% had pituitary adenomas, 73.4% had sellar or SS defects, and 20.5% had high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks. The postoperative CSF leak rate was 7.8%. Larger defect size predicted ACF postoperative leaks; use of rigid reconstruction and older age protected against sellar postoperative leaks; and use of dural sealants compared to fibrin glue protected against PCF postoperative leaks. SS postoperative leaks occurred less frequently with the use of dural onlay. Body-mass index, intraoperative CSF leak flow rate, and the use of lumbar drain were not significantly associated with postoperative CSF leak. Meningitis was associated with larger tumors in ACF defects, nondissolvable nasal packing in SS defects, and high-flow intraoperative leaks in PCF defects. Sinus infections were more common in sellar defects with synthetic grafts and nondissolvable nasal packing. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on defect subsite, reconstructive success following ESBS may be influenced by factors, such as age, defect size, and the use of rigid reconstruction, dural onlay, and tissue sealants.