I've had a spontaneous CSF leak for over 6 years and have already had 2 unsuccessful surgeries to close my leak. Now my doctor (Dr. Schievink, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) is recommending that I have a new type of surgery where he opens up the dura, rolls the spinal cord to the side, and sutures the hole from inside the dura. Has anyone had this surgery? If so, what was your recovery like and was your surgery successful? Thank you for you assistance in helping me to make a difficult, yet informed, decision.

Did you suffer any side effects from prior surgeries? Can you live a somewhat normal life or are you stuck in bed? I have had numerous surgeries and have nerve damage. At this point I have to have another surgery in order to repair some of the damage or I will be in bed forever. Think long and hard about risks.

hi, i have had 4 surgeries in past 18 months for a spontaneous leak. the third left me with scar tissue and i have alot of nerve pain. had scar tissue removed, but am having same symptoms and am going in for #5 soon. hope it will help. if you live a somewhat normal life, think long and hard about your decision. i am stuck in bed all the time at this point.

Did you decide to have the surgery? If so, how did it go? I'm trying to decide whether to have the same surgery with Dr. S.

Hi, hope you are doing better. I did have the 5th surgery, it was to remove scar tissue and cysts from prior procedures. Unfortunately, it didnt help. I think i may be leaking again and is causing unbeareable pain due to damage from surgeries. I am stcuk in bed all the time and have alot of nerve pain throughout my body. If i had it to do over again, i would not have had any surgeries, at least i wouldnt be in this much pain. May go better for you though. Best wishes whatever you choosee to do. I'm so sorry we are both having to deal with this unknown condition with little help. Good luck