Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2016 May;59(5):406-413. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.59.5.406.

Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Congenital Basal Encephalocele: Report of 3 Cases

• Jeon YJ
• Phi JH
• Wang KC
• Won TB

• KMID: 2164358
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2016.59.5.406

Abstract

Encephalocele is a malformation characterized by protrusions of the brain and meninges through openings in the cranial bones. They are managed surgically and approached in various ways, mainly on the basis of its location. Basal encephaloceles have been traditionally approached intracranially via bicoronal approach in the pediatric population. We report three cases of congenital basal encephaloceles treated by endoscopic endonasal approach in our institution. In 2 patients, the skull base defect was successfully corrected whereas in one case, recurrence was observed. No major complications were encountered. Although the endoscopic endonasal repair approach of basal encephaloceles in the pediatric population is associated with potential technical difficulties, it is a viable and minimally invasive alternative to the traditional craniotomy.

Keyword

Encephalocele; Endoscopic management; Minimally invasive surgery; Pediatric; Skull base

MeSH Terms

Brain
Craniotomy
Encephalocele*
Humans
Meninges
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
Recurrence
Skull Base