Reconstruction of Huge Cutaneous Defects of Thoracic Large Meningomyelocele: A Technical Note

Abstract

In meningomyelocele (MMC) cases, postnatal sac repair and repairment of overlying tissue defect in early period is a challenging surgical process. Infection control, hemodynamic follow-up and selection of the appropriate reconstruction technique are important. Repairment of thoracolumbar huge defects is extremely difficult due to the anomalies of adjacent bony and soft tissues. The aim of the study is to report the method of repairment of the thoracolumbar huge defect in a patient with a large MMC and also to review the options of repairment of such defects and to provide a common surgical discipline. A term newborn with a mainly thoracic large MMC, 10x15 cm in size, was operated on the 5th postpartum day. After the excision of MMC and repairment of neural tube, operation was performed for the closure of skin defect. Tissue defect was reconstructed with a Z advancement-rotation flap. There were no early or late complications after the operation. We concluded that the repairment of the defects with flaps after giant MMC excisions in a single-session reduces the morbidity.

Keywords

• flap
• meningomyelocele
• reconstruction