Assessment of Outcomes of Myelomeningocele Repair and Early Post-Operative Complications

Abstract

Objective:  To explore the result and frequency of different problems that occur in the early post-operative period and the incidence of these complications in our community. It will give insight and drive further development in the care of myelomeningoceles as well as the unique problems that emerge in these patients post-operatively. Materials and Methods:  At the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center in Karachi, the Department of Neurosurgery, this prospective, observational study was carried out over 12 months. Patients of both genders from 1 month to 2 years of age, diagnosed with myelomeningocele, and admitted to the ward for surgical repair were included in the study. Results:  Out of 94, there were 58.5% female patients, with the highest percentage of age group i.e. 48.9% in > 3 months to 9 months. Medium size of MMC (71.3%) at the lumbar side location (46.8%) was observed in the highest frequency among the study sample. The overall postoperative complication rate was 19.1%, with CSF leak being the most common (9.6%) followed by wound infection (5.3%). There was no association of the complications with the age, size, and location of MMC. Conclusion:  Myelomeningocele treatment may be delayed as a result of distant homebirths. Neurosurgeons who are trying to give prompt access to medical care for individuals born with MMC face various hurdles, including the family's desire to seek medical attention, their capacity to do so, and the availability of proper medical treatment.