The deepithelialized skin flap for closure of large myelomeningoceles: a common plastic surgery technique for a novel neurosurgery application

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to demonstrate proof of principle of a common plastic surgery technique of deepithelialization for repair of large myelomeningoceles (MMCs). Whereas repair typically consists of a watertight dural closure followed by a muscle or fasciocutaeneous layer, excess skin, however, need not be discarded and can be deepithelialized to augment or, in selective cases, replace the muscle repair.

Methods: The study was performed through a retrospective chart review of two patients.

Results: Step-by-step figures illustrate the technique. Two patients each born with large MMCs measuring 10 × 11 cm and 6 × 9 cm, respectively, were reviewed. Excess skin was deepithelialized to create an additional layer of vascularized tissue over the muscle repair. There were no post-operative complications at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions: In large MMCs with excess skin, the use of a deepithelialized skin flap can potentially be an alternative or adjunct to a muscle flap to buttress the dural repair.

Keywords: Deepithelialized flap; Myelomeningocele repair.