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Symptomatic postoperative cyst following glioma excision in a pediatric patient: a case report
R Praveen1, Gianluca Scalia2,3, Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana3,4
1Department of Neurosurgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
Insights
A rare complication after brain tumor surgery, postoperative cysts in children can be successfully treated. This case report details a minimally invasive approach for a pediatric glioma patient, leading to full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Postoperative cyst formation is a rare complication following central nervous system (CNS) tumor resection.
- This phenomenon is less frequently reported in pediatric patients compared to adults.
- Understanding the mechanisms and optimal treatments for pediatric postoperative cysts is crucial.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old female presented with headache and seizures, diagnosed with a trigonal region mass.
- Following surgical resection of the glioma, a symptomatic cyst developed in the tumor bed on postoperative day 7.
- The patient experienced symptomatic improvement after cyst drainage.
Findings:
- Minimally invasive percutaneous drainage and subsequent shunting effectively managed the postoperative cyst.
- This approach successfully prevented recurrence of the cyst in the pediatric glioma case.
- The patient achieved clinical recovery and demonstrated positive follow-up assessments.
Implications:
- Individualized treatment strategies are essential due to the lack of standardized protocols for pediatric postoperative cysts.
- This case highlights the efficacy of minimally invasive techniques in managing such complications.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and refine treatment for pediatric postoperative cysts.
Introduction And Importance:
Postoperative cyst formation is a rare but significant complication following central nervous system (CNS) tumor resection. This case report describes a 14-year-old girl who developed a postoperative cyst after glioma excision, successfully managed through a minimally invasive approach.
Case Presentation:
A 14-year-old female presented with headache and seizures. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a mass in the trigonal region. She underwent surgical resection of the tumor. On postoperative day 7, she developed a symptomatic cyst at the tumor bed. The cyst was drained, resulting in symptomatic improvement. Follow-up assessments confirmed her clinical recovery.
Clinical Discussion:
In pediatric patients, postoperative cyst formation is less frequently reported compared to adults. This highlights the need for further investigation into its underlying mechanisms and optimal treatment strategies in children.
Conclusion:
Minimally invasive percutaneous drainage followed by shunting successfully managed the postoperative cyst and prevented recurrence in this pediatric glioma case. Given the absence of standardized treatment protocols, individualized care is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes.

