[Sincipital meningoencephaloceles: Clinical and surgical considerations]

Sincipital meningoencephaloceles (MECs) are rare congenital malformations characterized by the herniation of brain or meningeal tissue through an opening in the anterior floor of the skull base. These malformations always affect the frontal bone, specifically the glabellar region and the naso-frontal angle. A collaboration between Médecins du Monde and the Children's Surgical Center in Phnom Penh has enabled the treatment of over four hundred cases over twenty years. Patients typically have not undergone radiological examinations, with surgical strategies based on clinical and intraoperative observations. There are several clinical forms of MECs: naso-frontal, naso-ethmoidal, and naso-orbital. The 1972 classification by Suwanwela remains the most relevant. Naso-frontal MECs are often associated with significant skin expansion without major bone deformity, unlike naso-ethmoidal MECs, which lead to significant deformities and are the most common. Naso-orbital MECs, being rarer, most frequently result in an increased orbital volume. The nature of the herniated tissue and the volume of the hernia are critical in determining the surgical strategy. Canthopexy, a key element of reconstruction, must be precise and adhere to strict rules to ensure an aesthetic result. The fronto-nasal remodeling completes the repair. The surgery for MECs follows well-codified principles. The humanitarian context influences management, with an emphasis on surgical safety and skill transmission. Treatment relies more on clinical assessment than radiological, although imaging advancements are now available in Cambodia. Long-term follow-up, especially in children, remains a challenge to document in order to evaluate the impacts on growth and the stability of surgical outcomes.