Detailed analysis of cystic lesions in patients after open fetal repair and postnatal myelomeningocele closure

Child's Nervous System, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-024-06735-8 · Published: January 1, 2025

Simple Explanation

This study evaluates the occurrence, progression, and treatment of spinal cysts after myelomeningocele/myeloschisis closure. The study found that cystic lesions are common, especially after fetal repair, but most don't need surgery. Regular screening is suggested to prevent nerve injury. Surgical removal of these cysts is generally safe, maintaining the patient's ability to walk and bladder function.

Study Duration

2013 to 2018 with follow-up to 5 years old

Participants

100 fetal repairs and 81 postnatal closures from 305 total surgeries

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Cystic lesions are common after myelomeningocele/myeloschisis closure, with 51.2% of patients developing radiographic evidence of cysts.
2
Fetal repair is associated with a higher rate of cyst formation compared to postnatal closure (67% vs. 32.1%).
3
Surgical resection of cysts did not worsen ambulation status, and bladder compliance showed a non-significant trend toward improvement.

Research Summary

The study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent myelomeningocele/myeloschisis closure between 2013 and 2018, following them up to 5 years of age to evaluate cystic spinal lesions. The findings indicate that cystic lesions are common, particularly after fetal repair, but most do not require surgical intervention; regular screening is proposed to circumvent nerve injury. The study concludes that these lesions can be safely surgically resected, maintaining ambulation and urologic function, providing valuable information for management strategies.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Monitoring Protocols

Regular screening is crucial for early detection of cystic lesions, especially in asymptomatic patients, to prevent nerve injury.

Informed Parental Counseling

Prenatal counseling should include discussion of the higher incidence of cyst formation after fetal repair compared to postnatal closure.

Surgical Safety

Surgical resection of cysts can be safely performed, maintaining ambulation and urologic function, which should inform surgical management strategies.

Detailed analysis of cystic lesions in patients after open fetal repair and postnatal myelomeningocele closure

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Monitoring Protocols

Informed Parental Counseling

Surgical Safety

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Detailed analysis of cystic lesions in patients after open fetal repair and postnatal myelomeningocele closure

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Monitoring Protocols

Informed Parental Counseling

Surgical Safety

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?