Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 70

Internal nasal splint–supported free graft versus nasoseptal flap for repairing bilateral CSF leaks

Official title: Evaluation of Internal Nasal Splint-Supported Free Graft Versus Nasoseptal Flap for Endoscopic Skull Base Repair in Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks

Run by Kafrelsheikh University · NCT07368348 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial will test whether using an internal nasal splint to support a free graft repairs bilateral CSF leaks better than the standard nasoseptal flap in adults.

More CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF) Leak trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorKafrelsheikh University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kafr Elsheikh, Kafrelsheikh)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2026
Main results expectedJune 1, 2026
Study endsNovember 1, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT07368348 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults (age ≥18) with confirmed bilateral CSF leaks, including those with septal spurs, large perforations, prior submucosal septal resection, or septal granuloma, are the intended candidates.

Probably not a fit

Patients with active nasal or sinus infection, contraindications to endoscopic surgery, or prior nasal/skull base operations that affect the repair site are unlikely to benefit from enrollment.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares two endoscopic skull base repair techniques for adults with confirmed bilateral CSF leaks: an internal nasal splint-supported free graft and a nasoseptal flap alone. Eligible participants will undergo endoscopic repair using one of the techniques and be followed with clinical exams, imaging, and biochemical testing to monitor leak closure and healing. The protocol emphasizes feasibility and outcomes in patients with septal abnormalities or prior septal surgery that may complicate flap harvest. Key outcomes include rate of CSF leak closure, need for revision surgery or CSF diversion, and procedure-related complications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the splint-supported graft approach could reduce leak recurrence and the need for repeat surgery in patients with bilateral CSF leaks.

How similar studies have gone: Nasoseptal flaps are an established and successful method for endoscopic skull base repair, while internal splint-supported free grafts represent a newer approach with limited published evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1- Adults (≥18 years). 2- Patients with bilateral CSF leaks confirmed by imaging and biochemical testing (e.g., beta-2 transferrin).

3- Patients with bilateral CSF leak and sever septal spur. 4- Patients with bilateral CSF leak and history of submucosal resection of nasal septum.

5- Patients with bilateral CSF leak and large septal perforation. 6- Patients with bilateral CSF Leak and septal granuloma.

Exclusion Criteria: 1- Patients with contraindications to endoscopic surgery. 2- Active sinus or nasal infections. 3- Previous nasal or skull base surgery affecting the repair site.

\-

Where it's running

  • Kafrelsheikh Faculty of Medicine
    Kafr Elsheikh, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.