Sincipital encephalocoeles: a review of clinical presentations and methods of surgical repair in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Between January 1972 and September 1987, 10 sincipital (fronto-ethmoidal) encephalocoeles were encountered at the neurosurgical unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Seven of the eight patients whose clinical records were available for study were females. The age at presentation varied from 7 days to 5 years. All patients exhibited a mass at the root of the nose. An increase in the size of the lesion was noted, prior to surgery. Clinically, there was no hydrocephalus. Associated birth defects were minor. Five patients underwent intracranial repair. One patient's lesion was excised extracranially. In all these patients, a lump remained or recurred after surgery. Only one patient returned for a recommended second stage of repair at which the residual mass was completely excised. The default rate from follow-up was high. A combined intracranial and extracranial repair during the same hospital admission may offer the best chance for cure.