Results of Simultaneous Early Repair and Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in Infants with Myelomeningocele and Hydrocephalus.
- Author:
Il Woo LEE
1
;
Gil Song LEE
;
Joon Ki KANG
;
Chang Rak CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Catholic University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Myelomeningocele;
Hydrocephalus;
Simultaneous shunt;
Early repair
- MeSH:
Brain;
Encephalocele;
Follow-Up Studies;
Gait;
Humans;
Hydrocephalus*;
Infant*;
Intelligence;
Meningocele;
Meningomyelocele*;
Neural Tube;
Neuropsychological Tests;
Parturition;
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt*;
Wound Infection;
Wounds and Injuries
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
1992;21(6):651-655
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Simultaneous early repair of the myelomeningocele and ventriculoperitoneal shunt in patients with myelomenimgocele and hydrocephalus not only decreases further brain damage, but also eliminates dangers of wound break down, CSF leak, and secondary CSF infection. During the years 1975-1990, we have experienced 45 patients with neural tube dysraphism which consist of 32 lipomyelomenigocele, 8 myelomeningocele, 3 meningocele and 2 encephalocele. Among those, 7 patients underwent simultaneous repair of myelomeningocele and insertion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. 2 Patients developed wound infection, but none of the patients developed myelomeningocele repair break down or shunt infection in the follow up period of 1 to 4 years. All patients underwent neuropsychological testing during their follow up period and 5 patients were found to have their normal growth and developments. 1 patient developed low intelligence and moderate degree gait disturbance and the other 1 patient developed voiding difficulty. The authors suggest that this technique may be safe and helpful in some infants born with a myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus overt at birth.
