ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of cerebrospinal fluid leak in patients undergoing myelomeningocele and TCS repair. Study Design: Cross-sectional Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Neurosurgery Unit, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan for duration of three years from January, 2017 to December, 2019. Methods: Total 76 patients of both genders were enrolled in this study. Patients were ages between 4-22 years. Patients detailed demographics age, sex and BMI were recorded after taking written consent. Patients who underwent myelomeningocele and TCS repair were included. Frequency of cerebrospinal fluid leak in patients was calculated. Complete data was analyzed by SPSS 24.0 version. Results: Mean age of the patients was 7.9 ± 3.5 years. Total 41 (53.95%) patients were males and 35 (46.05%) were females. Out of 76 patients 26 (34.21%) had CSF leak. Mean duration of CSF leaks was 4-20days. Among 26 patients, 17 patients had MMC repair, 4 patients had TCS release and 5 patients had meningocele repair. Five patients had a CSF leak with HCP postoperative signals that settled by inserting the shunt in a single position along with a primary wound repair, strengthened by tincture benzoyl. After stitches improved by benzoyl tinctures, three other patients showed signs of HCP without CSF leak and were later put in the shunt. Conclusion: In this study, we concluded that in patients undergoing myelomeningocele and TCS repair, the incidence of CSF Leaks is greater. The tincture benzoyl will heal these patients after skin strengthening. Keywords: Myelomeningocele (MMC), Cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF), Tether cord syndrome (TCS),cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF)