title: Delayed repair of myelomeningoceles.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Myelomeningocele is a defect that typically is repaired surgically within the first few days of life in developed countries to minimize the risk of meningitis. If left unrepaired, these children may survive to have their meningocele sac epithelialize. The surgical reduction and closure of an epithelialized myelomeningocele represents a unique challenge for the neurosurgeon because it requires a modification of the typical closure technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our 10 years' experience in 97 patients with the delayed (>6 months) repair of myelomeningoceles formed the basis of this report.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We present repair techniques in a child with a myelomeningocele that was not repaired at birth and presented a surgical challenge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Delayed closure of myelomeningoceles is facilitated by lessons learned from our surgical experience during a medical missions to Guatemala.
authors: Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Electronic address: jwatson4@vcu.edu.
authors: Joseph C
authors: JC
authors: Watson
authors: Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Tye
authors: Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Ward
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D003906:Developing Countries; D004848:Epithelium; D006166:Guatemala; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques
keywords: Myelomeningocele; Pediatric neurosurgery; Spina bifida; Spinal dysraphism