Use of allogeneic skin graft for the closure of large meningomyeloceles: technical case report.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an alternative approach to the operative management of large meningomyeloceles, in which primary closure is not possible.


METHODS
Two full-term infants presented with very large meningomyeloceles for closure after an uncomplicated delivery.


METHODS
An allogeneic skin graft was used in both cases to approximate the skin defect that remained after removal of the large meningomyelocele sacs. The surgical site was treated with dressing changes only during the postoperative period.


CONCLUSIONS
The independent use of allogeneic skin grafts can lead to a successful cosmetic result for the treatment of large meningomyeloceles without the use of complicated skin incisions or flap advancements.
Division of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. danishs@uphs.upenn.edu
Shabbar F
SF
Danish
Amer F
AF
Samdani
Phillip B
PB
Storm
Leslie
L
Sutton
D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000379:methods*