Expansile cranioplasty for massive occipital encephalocele

Abstract

This report highlights the management of infrequently encountered massive occipital encephaloceles with herniation of large amount of apparently functional cortex into the encephalocele sac. Two children with giant occipital encephaloceles with herniation of significant brain parenchyma into the encephalocele sac were managed with expansile cranioplasty and reconstruction of the calvarial defect with autologus bone graft harvested from the adjacent parietal region. Giant occipital encephaloceles with significant brain parenchyma in the encephalocele sac can be considered for preservation of the herniated parenchyma and expansile cranioplasty.