Operation of a giant occipital encephalocele in an infant: A surgical case report

TL;DR

A 13-day-old infant with a large occipital encephalocele successfully underwent surgery in a resource-limited setting.

Contribution

This case report highlights successful surgical management of a giant encephalocele in a neonate using the prone position.

Findings

Surgical repair of giant occipital encephaloceles is feasible in resource-limited settings.

The prone position is recommended for better surgical maneuverability in such cases.

Early surgical intervention improves prognosis when hydrocephalus is absent.

Abstract

Encephalocele is a rare medical condition where certain parts of the central nervous system protrude through a skull defect, resulting in a deformity where the head size is smaller than the protrusion. This condition is relatively uncommon, and only a few cases have been reported worldwide.

We present a case of a 13-day-old neonate with a giant occipital encephalocele who underwent a successful surgical intervention in a resource-limited setting.

The diagnosis of encephaloceles is frequently by clinical examination, although sonography could be helpful before birth. It is crucial that this patient receives immediate surgical intervention. In cases where hydrocephalus and ventriculomegaly are absent, we predict a better prognosis. The prone position is preferred in these operations, and Anesthesia is a real challenge.

Congenital giant occipital encephaloceles can be identified clinically shortly after birth. They cause a substantial surgical challenge due to their massive size. Surgical repair must be performed as early as possible.

•An encephalocele, a type of neural tube defect, is the herniation of intracranial contents through a bone defect.•The most effective method for treating encephalocele is surgery, and the ideal window of time for this procedure is from birth to four months of age•Treating a giant encephalocele is challenging, and we chose the prone position for the operation as it is the most suitable for such cases due to better maneuverability.

An encephalocele, a type of neural tube defect, is the herniation of intracranial contents through a bone defect.

The most effective method for treating encephalocele is surgery, and the ideal window of time for this procedure is from birth to four months of age

Treating a giant encephalocele is challenging, and we chose the prone position for the operation as it is the most suitable for such cases due to better maneuverability.

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