Duraplasty: our current experience.
BACKGROUND
A large variety of biologic and artificial materials have been suggested as dural substitutes. However, no ideal material for dural repair in neurosurgical procedures has been identified. The authors report their experience with Tutoplast processed dura and pericardium.


METHODS
This study is designed to evaluate Tutoplast dura and pericardium. The study population was composed of 250 consecutive patients who underwent cerebral duraplasty with these homologous materials between 1996 and 1998. The average follow-up was 5.4 years.


RESULTS
We have observed only four complications with uncertain relationship with the dural implant. These resulted in complete recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
We support the efficacy and safety of this natural dural substitute treated with Tutoplast method.
Caroli
Emanuela
E
Department of Neurological Sciences, INM Neuromed IRCCS, University of Rome "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy.
Rocchi
Giovanni
G
Salvati
Maurizio
M
Delfini
Roberto
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000601:surgery; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D018325:Hemangioblastoma / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010496:Pericardium; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D001672:Biocompatible Materials