Spina bifida cerebrospinal fluid leakage repair with lumbar drain

Abstract

Spina bifida is a congenital malformation where the spinal column is split (bifid) as a results from failed closure of the embryonic neural tube during the fourth gestational week. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is the major complication of spina bifida repair and its incidence varies between 18-30%. We reported a case of CSF leak following lumbosacral spina bifida repair in an 11-month-old male infant with a history of myelomeningocele with wound dehiscence after surgery, but CSF leak was found after five days. Lumbar drain was then placed in an office-based setting. After five days the leak had stabilized, and the drain was removed. A follow-up examination four months later showed satisfactory results. Lumbar drain can be considered as an option as safe and effective treatment of CSF leak following spina bifida repair.

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