Nasal encephalocele: a study of 16 cases

ABSTRACT

Sixteen cases of nasal encephalocoele were treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi over a period of 10 years. Diagnosis was mainly clinical. Although a plain X-ray of the skull outlines the bony defect, C.T. Scan is more helpful as, besides visualizing the facial and orbital skeleton, it also detects associated anomalies. All these patients underwent combined transcranial-extracranial repair. A few complications like C.S.F. leakage, meningitis and hydrocephalus were seen postoperatively but there was no mortality. The method of repair and complications are discussed and compared in the light of available literature. Cosmetic results are excellent if surgery is performed in infancy. Early repair is also essential to prevent brain damage and facial deformity