Hydrocephalus associated with occipital encephalocele: surgical management and clinical outcome

Abstract Background Encephaloceles are cystic congenital malformations in which central nervous system (CNS) structures, communication with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways, herniate through a defect the cranium. Hydrocephalus occurs 60–90% of patients occipital encephaloceles. Objective Assessment surgical management hydrocephalus associated encephalocele and its effect on clinical outcome. Methods Between October 2015 2019, retrospective study was conducted seventeen children encephaloceles who were operated upon. The presence progressive determined by an abnormal increase head circumference ventricular size imaging studies. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt applied had hydrocephalus. outcome graded according to developmental milestones outpatient follow-up visits. Results mean age at surgery 1.6 (range, 0–15) months. There ten girls (58.8%) seven boys (41.2%). Ten contained neural tissue. cranial anomalies. Eleven (64.7%) hydrocephalus: four them (36.4%) diagnosed preoperatively, while (63.6%) developed postoperatively. (90.9%) managed VP shunt. All some degree delay, including six (54.5%) mild/moderate delay five (45.5%) severe delay. Half (50%) without normal neurological during period ( p value= 0.034). Conclusions Occipital is often complicated resulted worse encephalocele, so it can help guide prenatal neonatal counseling.