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.

PubMed

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.
Abstract