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Meningomyelocele skin defects.
Southern Medical Journal
|February 1, 1978
Summary
Bilateral lumbar transposition flaps and skin grafts effectively closed meningomyelocele skin defects in infants. This surgical technique proved useful for defect coverage, with most repairs healing well.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Dermatology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Meningomyelocele presents significant challenges for skin defect closure in newborns.
- Effective surgical reconstruction is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of bilateral lumbar transposition flaps combined with split-thickness skin grafts for closing meningomyelocele skin defects.
- To assess the healing process and outcomes in newborn infants undergoing this reconstructive procedure.
Main Methods:
- Ten newborn infants with meningomyelocele skin defects underwent surgical repair.
- The surgical technique involved the use of bilateral lumbar transposition flaps and split-thickness skin grafts.
Main Results:
- Eight out of ten repairs healed promptly and without complications.
- One patient experienced flap superficial necrosis requiring subsequent skin grafting.
- One patient demised from unrelated complications (pneumonia and sepsis) despite successful flap and graft healing.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral lumbar transposition flaps are a versatile and useful method for covering meningomyelocele skin defects, even when small.
- The described surgical approach demonstrates a high success rate in achieving defect closure and promoting healing in this vulnerable patient population.