Surgical Management of Occipital Encephaloceles, Series of 14 Patients

Abstract Background: Encephalocele is a congenital anomaly of the central nervous system characterized with herniation of cranial contents outside the brain through a bony skull defect. Objective: The aim of this study is to present our experi-ence, technique and results of 14 patients with occipital encephaloceles managed surgically at Banha University over 4 years period. Material and Methods: 14 patients who were diagnosed with occipital encephaloceles and referred to our Neurosurgery Department at Banha University between 2015 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. The clinical findings, radiological findings, perioperative management and surgical outcome were assessed. Results: In the study, 14 patients (10 girls, 4 boys), whose age varied between newborn and 2 months, were evaluated. The size of the sac ranged from (2cm X 3cm) to (10cm X 13cm). Surgery was performed for all patients, 2 (14.2%) of the 14 patients died. The morbidity rate in our study was (31.2%) in the form of developed hydrocephalus, CSF leak and infection. Conclusion: Occipital encephalocele is commonly seen congenital anomaly in the practice of pediatric neurosurgery. Modern neuroimaging, neurosurgical techniques and periop-erative care have greatly improved the management and outcome of occipital encephalocele. Increased sac size, hydrocephalus, presence of neural tissue in the sac content and associated congenital anomalies are accompanied with bad outcome.