Objectives:
Neural tube defects are the most common congenital malformation of the central nervous system. Identification, classification and treatment of spinal malformations are important in terms of prognosis of the neural functions. In this study, the data of 54 patients who underwent surgical treatment for myelomeningocele in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively.
Materials and Methods:
Demographic data, clinical characteristics, accompanying anomalies, timing of surgery, rates of complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded.
Results:
Of the 54 patients included in our study, 27 (50%) were female and 27 (50%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 3.5 (1-22) days. There were consanguinity between 21 (38.9%) parents. The patients had myelomeningocele sac in the lumbosacral region (50%) at most. Since 15 (27.7%) out of the 54 patients that accepted to the clinic, were brought to the hospital 72 hours after birth, the late surgery was applied. Newborns who underwent surgical repair after the first 48 hours had longer length of hospital stay and higher complication rates. Ten (18.5%) patients had rupture of myelomeningocele sac on admission to hospital. Forty-one (%76) patients had hydrocephalus.
Conclusion:
It is very important to refer patients with myelomeningocele to an appropriate medical center, where they will be treated in the early period, considering the effects of early surgical treatment on survival and quality of life.
Keywords: Myelomeningocele, Surgical Time, Prognosis, Complications
