ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the frequency of cerebrospinal fluid leak in patients undergoing myelomeningocele and tethered cord syndrome repair. Study design: Cross-sectional Place and duration of study: Department of Neurosurgery, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana from 1st October 2019 to 30th September 2020. Methodology: Sixty eight patients of both genders were enrolled in this study. Patients were ages between 3-21 years. Patients detailed demographics age, gender and body mass index were recorded. Patients who underwent myelomeningocele and tethered cord syndrome repair were included. Frequency of cerebrospinal fluid leak in patients was calculated. Results: Mean age of the patients was6.4± 4.8 years. Thirty six (52.9%) patients were males and 32 (46.1%) were females. Twenty two (32.35%) patients had cerebrospinal fluid leak. Mean duration of cerebrospinal fluid leaks was 5-18days. Among 22 patients, 15 patients hadmyelomeningocelerepair, 3 patients had tethered cord syndrome release and 4 patients had meningocele repair. Four patients had a cerebrospinal fluid leak with hydrocephalus 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 hydrocephalus without cerebrospinal fluid leak and were later put in the shunt. Conclusion: Frequency of cerebrospinal fluid leaks was greater in patients undergoing myelomeningocele and tethered cord syndrome repair. These patients can be cured after skin reinforcement by using tincture benzoyl. Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid leak, Myelomeningocele, Tethered cord syndrome