Prognosis of Immediate Operative Closure in Myelomeningocele and Meningoencephalocele: Report of Three Operative Cases

ABSTRACT

A child born with spinal dysraphism and encephalocele faces the multiple and serious hazards of meningitis, hydrocephalus, paralysis and deformity of the lower limbs, and urinary bladder paralysis. The improvement in surgical management, and the advent of the shunt device for the control of hydrocephalus have so greatly altered the immediate prognosis that even a child with an extensive myelomeningocele must be considered to have a good chance of survival. We have presented a case of myelomeningocle, and two cases of meningoencephalocele and immediate repair techniques, and prognosis. 1) Surgical repair should be undertaken urgently, if possible within the first 48 hours of life and its role was the preservation of motor, sensory and intellectual function. 2) Carefully dissected the nerve filaments from the sac and replaced them into the dural canal and excised the functionless filament for prevention of spine deformity. 3) Shunt surgery should be considered before operation or immediate postoperation, in situation of huge meningoencephalocele.