Abstract
BackgroundPseudomeningoceles are a rare complication after spinal surgery, and studies on these complex formations are few.MethodsBetween October 2000 and March 2008, 11 patients who developed symptomatic pseudomeningoceles after spinal surgery were recruited. In this retrospective study, we reported our experiences in the management of these complex, symptomatic pseudomeningoceles after spinal surgery. A giant pseudomeningocele was defined as a pseudomeningocele >8 cm in length. We also evaluated the risk factors for the formation of giant pseudomeningoceles.ResultsAll patients were treated successfully with a combined treatment protocol of open revision surgery for extirpation of the pseudomeningoceles, repair of dural tears, and implantation of a subarachnoid catheter for drainage. Surgery-related complications were not observed. Recurrence of pseudomeningocele was not observed for any patient at a mean follow-up of 16.5 months. This result was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging.ConclusionsWe conclude that a combined treatment protocol involving open revision surgery for extirpation of pseudomeningoceles, repair of dural tears, and implantation of a subarachnoid catheter for drainage is safe and effective to treat giant pseudomeningoceles.
Highlights
Pseudomeningoceles are a rare complication after spinal surgery, and studies on these complex formations are few
Pseudomeningocele is an uncommon complication of spinal surgery [1,2,3]
It is an extradural accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the soft tissue of the back that extravasates through the dural tear [4,5]
Summary
Pseudomeningoceles are a rare complication after spinal surgery, and studies on these complex formations are few. Pseudomeningocele is an uncommon complication of spinal surgery [1,2,3]. It is an extradural accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the soft tissue of the back that extravasates through the dural tear [4,5]. Pseudomeningoceles often occur as a complication of lumbar spinal surgery [7]. The exact incidence of postoperative pseudomeningocele is unknown because many of these patients are asymptomatic [7]. Another more likely reason is that spine surgeons are reluctant to publish negative results. A trapped nerve root of the pseudomeningocele can occur and cause radicular pain [9]
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