Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Congenital Basal Encephalocele: Report of 3 Cases / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Encephalocele is a malformation characterized by protrusions of the brain and meninges through openings in the cranial bones. They are managed surgically and approached in various ways, mainly on the basis of its location. Basal encephaloceles have been traditionally approached intracranially via bicoronal approach in the pediatric population. We report three cases of congenital basal encephaloceles treated by endoscopic endonasal approach in our institution. In 2 patients, the skull base defect was successfully corrected whereas in one case, recurrence was observed. No major complications were encountered. Although the endoscopic endonasal repair approach of basal encephaloceles in the pediatric population is associated with potential technical difficulties, it is a viable and minimally invasive alternative to the traditional craniotomy.