Abstract | OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to find out the presentation, management and complications of encephaloceles in an African setting. DESIGN: a retrospective study reviewing the age and sex of the patients, type and contents of encephaloceles, associated anomalies, preoperative evaluation and investigations, surgical approaches, intra- and post-operative complications as well as follow-up outcomes. SETTING: Bethany Crippled Children's centre and Bethanykids at Kijabe Hospital (BKKH), between January 1998 and August 2006. PATIENTS: Of the 53 patients seen, 23 were males and 30 females. The median age at presentation was four months. RESULTS: The follow-up period extended to eight years. Twenty nine patients had occipital encephaloceles, and 39 were operated using the direct external approach. Cererobrospinal fluid leak was the most common post-operative complication. Recurrence occurred in four patients and death in six. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the encephalocele patients manage d at BKKH had good outcomes and proceeded to live normal or near-normal lives. Our study confirms that even in resource-constrained areas, children with encephaloceles can be successfully managed with acceptable outcomes.
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Authors | N Munyi, D Poenaru, R Bransford, L Albright |
Journal | East African medical journal
(East Afr Med J)
Vol. 86
Issue 2
Pg. 51-4
(Feb 2009)
ISSN: 0012-835X [Print] Kenya |
PMID | 19894467
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Encephalocele
(chemically induced, diagnosis, epidemiology, surgery)
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Kenya
(epidemiology)
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
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