Clinical Outcomes of Myelomeningocele Defect Closure: 10-year Experience from a Single Center

Abstract

Myelomeningocele is the most common congenital abnormality of the central nervous system. We present our experience and review the postoperative outcomes and complications by conducting a retrospective observational study. Medical records of 48 patients who underwent surgical closure of myelomeningocele from September 2013 to December 2023 were reviewed and analyzed. Overall, 28 cases were closed with direct skin repair, while 20 cases required local skin flaps. Five cases of wound dehiscence, 6 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leak, 2 cases of surgical site infection, and 1 case of flap tip necrosis occurred. Management of myelomeningoceles requires a multidisciplinary approach. Most myelomeningocele defects can be closed primarily. However, other methods can be utilized if necessary. Complications are difficult to avoid but outcomes can be optimized if the necessary steps are deployed.