Closure of a large lumbosacral myelomeningocele defect with a human pericardial graft: a case report.

INTRODUCTION

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a complex congenital defect resulting from incomplete closure of the neural tube. The aim of this study is to present an unusual technique for the closure of a large defect.

CASE REPORT

Here we report a patient that was prenatally diagnosed with MMC. At birth, a skin defect of approximately 5 x 7 cm was observed. To repair the defect, a Z-plasty was performed; however, necrosis of the flap developed 3 days after the surgery. The devitalized tissue was removed, and a human pericardial graft was used to cover the defect.

DISCUSSION

Different techniques have been described for the repair of MMC with a large skin defect, such as rotation skin flaps as well as synthetic and biological grafts. In our patient, a new technique without prior experience consisting of the application of human cadaveric pericardial graft was used with good results and no complications.

CONCLUSION

Closure of MMC is often a surgical challenge. Here we describe a surgical technique for the closure of large skin defects.