CSF leak treatment with epidural blood patch and sealant

A significant percentage of patients respond positively to the procedure of epidural filling with blood. Epidural closure with fibrin sealant may be directed to a known or suspected leak site. Fibrin adhesive sealant is a biological adhesive consisting of a combined blood product processed in two stages. During this procedure, the doctor takes blood from your vein, then injects it into the spinal canal, into the so-called epidural space. Blood cells form a clot that creates a patch covering the area of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The doctor inserts a needle into the lumbar region of the lower back. Once it is in the correct position, they will slowly inject some of your blood into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding your spinal cord, and the injected blood will "patch up" the leak. The injected patient's blood volume ranges from 10 ml to 100 ml. This method is typically effective in providing long-lasting leak closure. While some cases may require multiple procedures, even those who need more than one filling usually experience some improvement after the first.