AIM: To investigate the effects of 25% dextrose in a rat model of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

MATERIAL and METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were included in the study. The dura mater of the rats was opened, and 25% dextrose was applied topically at a dose of 0.1 ml. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the third and sixth weeks. Then, pathologic and electron microscopic evaluations were performed.

RESULTS: The results of healing score and fibroblast density evaluations showed that dextrose led to more successful healing than control subjects in early and late postoperative evaluations. In addition, electron microscopic examination showed that fibroblasts had active endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in a large cytoplasm, indicating increased collagen secretion.

CONCLUSION: After dura mater injury, 25% dextrose, a cheap and accessible agent, has the potential to be used to enhance healing.