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OBJECTIVE: Dural replacements are used in cranial surgery when primary closure of native dura is not possible. The goal is to recreate a watertight barrier to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage with few associated complications. We reviewed a single-institution experience with a variety of dural substitutes in posterior fossa neurosurgery, for which higher complication rates are well described.

METHODS: Patients were screened for suboccipital posterior fossa neurosurgery between November 2005 and April 2007. Surgical logs were reviewed for diagnosis, procedure, and use of dural replacement. Clinical courses were reviewed for hydrodynamic complications, including delayed hydrocephalus, clinically significant pseudomeningocele, aseptic meningitis, and persistent cerebrospinal leakage.

RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients were included, and a dural replacement was used in 106. Overall, the …