European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aims: To study the surgical outcome in paediatric patients presenting with spinal dysraphism
in our institution.
Materials and Method: 78 paediatric cases presented between 2014 to 2019 with
myelomeningocele to the neurosurgical OPD in Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences,
Ballari which caters to mainly rural and semi urban population. Initial clinical assessment,
followed by operative work up was done. MRI Brain and spine was done as a prep operative
evaluation. Post-operative outcome was noted and Post-operative regular follow up after
discharge for at least 6 months.
Results: 78 patients were operated upon at our centre. The mean age of presentation of the
cases 5 months +/- 6 days, ranging from 8days to 24months. Post-operative average hospital
stay was 14 days. The mean post-operative follow up period was 36 months. Hydrocephalus
was associated with meningomyelocele in 30 cases, but VP shunting required in same sitting
in 9 cases only. Six patients found to have CSF leak and only 1 required reexploration and
Dural repair.
Conclusion: The clinical profile of patients presenting to us mirror the General profile across
India. Surgical outcomes at our center are on par with the standard results seen across the
country. Early and prompt surgical intervention is the key in management of spinal
dysraphism. The MOMS study comparing surgical outcomes with pre natal surgery shows
equivalent outcomes with post natal surgery