title: Bilobed fasciocutaneous flap closure of large meningomyeloceles.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Closure of large meningomyelocele defects presents a challenging problem. In this paper, the procedure and outcome of bilobed fasciocutaneous flap closure of large meningomyeloceles have been discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bilobed fasciocutaneous flap was used in 20 patients with large meningomyelocele defects, the largest of which was 77 cm2. A fasciocutaneous dissection was performed and the defect area was covered by tension-free closure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the follow-up period of 6 weeks, partial flap loss in a patient and cerebrospinal fluid leak inferior to the flap in another 2 were observed. These patients recovered by dressing without flap loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Utilization of bilobed flaps for closure of large meningomyelocele defects seems to be an effective and reliable procedure, with advantages of decreased operative time, minimal bleeding, the suture lines for dura and flap not superimposed, and low morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Yuzuncu Yil University, Medical Faculty, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Van, Turkey. drbekiratik@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Bekir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Atik
authors.forename: Onder
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Nejmi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kiymaz
authors.forename: Nebi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yilmaz
authors.forename: Lutfi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tekes
mesh_terms: D005205:Fascia / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps