A Study of Early post-operative wound complications of spina bifida aperta repair “Incidence and Risk Factors”

Abstract

Background: Myelomeningocele is the single most common congenital anomaly that affects the CNSand vertebral column. The third world countries having a higher incidence. The management is usuallysurgical with relative high incidence of complications.Objectives: to evaluate the possible risk factors that may predispose to early wound complications ofmyelomeningocele.Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the Surgical Specialization Hospital in Medical CityComplex - Baghdad from 2009-2012. 147 cases were included in the study. Requested data weregestational age, type of delivery, gender, age at operation, type of suturing of the wound, tension ofsuturing, duration of operation, site of the lesion, ruptured vs non ruptured myelomeningocele, associatedshunting, peri-operative stay in hospital and associated jaundice.Result: Forty four (44 %) of the total developed complications. All premature infants developedcomplications. Hydrocephalic cases was associated with higher rate of complication (86%). Type ofdelivery, age at operation, duration of operation, ruptured cases and site of the lesion were not associatedwith complications.Conclusion: Myelomeningocele was predominantly affecting female. Most of the complications werewound infection with or without dehiscence, CSF leakage or seroma.