Omentomyelopexy for the Treatment of a Persistent Lumbar Pseudomeningocele: A Case Report With Technical Note.

Abstract

Background and importance: Pseudomeningoceles are extradural accumulations of cerebrospinal fluid. In most cases, they appear as a complication of spinal operations. Omentomyelopexy is a surgery in which an autologous omentum flap is implanted over the dural opening. We describe a case of persistent pseudomeningocele treated with omentomyelopexy.

Clinical presentation: A 37-year-old man sustained a T12-L1 AO B3 fracture during a motorcycle accident. He underwent posterolateral fusion and then neurological rehabilitation. Two years later, however, his condition worsened, and he experienced progressive weakness-he was diagnosed with an intramedullary cyst, which was treated with laminectomy, arachnolysis and cystotomy. A pseudomeningocele developed afterward, and the patient underwent multiple reoperations in the following years, none of which were effective. Omentomyelopexy, a complex procedure aimed to facilitate cerebrospinal fluid absorption and subsequent formation of a permanent membrane, was offered to the patient as a "last resort." After undergoing omentomyelopexy, his pseudomeningocele resolved.

Conclusion: Although it should be reserved for exceptionally pertinent cases, omentomyelopexy is a viable option for managing persistent pseudomeningocele. However, further research is needed to better understand the effects and benefits of omentomyelopexy in this context.