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Watertight closure of dura mater after intracranial surgery can avoid cerebrospinal fluid leakage and central nervous system infection and herniation. When primary closure is not possible, the pericranium is the preferential choice. When it is not available, a dural substitute becomes necessary. Bovine pericardium treated with polyethylene glycol and ethanol is herein tested as a dural substitute. A pilot study comparing bovine pericardium with pericranium in supratentorial neurosurgery was performed. Twenty patients were initially allocated into a bovine pericardium group (group 1) or a pericranium group (group 2). Three patients from group 1 and 2 from group 2 had a loss of follow-up, being excluded. In the remaining 15 patients, epidemiological analysis demonstrated a male:female ratio of 3:4 and 4:4 for groups 1 and 2. Ages varied from 28 to 68 (Mean = 49.6) in group 1 and 40–80 (Mean = 61.2) in group 2, with a mean difference of 11.68 years (P = 0.09). Two cases of surgical site infection and 1 of hydrocephalus were observed. Although the calculated relative risk for complications was higher in group 1 (Relative Risk = 1.08), Fisher exact test demonstrated no statistically significant difference between groups (P = 1.00). Procedure mean time was 23 minutes and 11 seconds in group 1 versus 27 minutes and 55 seconds in group 2 (P = 0.47). Mean graft area was 13.17 and 6.23 cm2 in groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.02). Bovine pericardium treated with polyethylene glycol and ethanol was comparable to pericranium as a dural substitute. More studies are encouraged to certify our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive investigations, the choice of graft material for reconstructive duraplasty after foramen magnum decompression for Chiari type I malformation (CMI) is still a topic of discussion. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature examining the post-operative complications in adult patients with CMI after foramen magnum decompression and duraplasty (FMDD) using different graft materials. Our systematic review included 23 studies with a total of 1563 patients with CMI who underwent FMDD with different dural substitutes. The most common complications were pseudomeningocele (2.7%, 95% CI 1.5–3.9%, p < 0.01, I2 = 69%) and CSF leak (2%, 95% CI 1–2.9%, p < 0,01, I2 = 43%). The revision surgery rate was 3% (95% CI 1.8–4.2%, p < 0.01, I2 = 54%). A lower rate of pseudomeningocele was observed with autologous duraplasty when compared with synthetic duraplasty (0.7% [95% CI 0–1.3%] vs. 5.3% [95% CI 2.1–8.4%] p < 0.01). The rate of CSF leak and revision surgery was lower after autologous duraplasty than after non-autologous dural graft (1.8% [95% CI 0.5–3.1%] vs. 5.3% [95% CI 1.6–9%], p < 0.01 and 0.8% [95% CI 0.1–1.6%] vs. 4.9% [95% CI 2.6–7.2%] p < 0.01, respectively). Autologous duraplasty is associated with a lower rate of post-operative pseudomeningocele and reoperation. This information should be considered when planning duraplasty after foramen magnum decompression in patients with CMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 47-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of sudden-onset motor aphasia and right hemiplegia. His past medical history was notable for left craniotomy and hematoma evacuation following a traumatic brain hemorrhage approximately 40 years earlier, for which dural grafting was performed. He also had a history of three lobar hemorrhages in the left hemisphere since the age of 42 years. Brain CT imaging revealed an acute left frontal lobar hemorrhage. His initial brain MRI conducted at our hospital demonstrated hemorrhagic findings with left hemisphere dominance, including acute and old lobar hemorrhage, cortical superficial siderosis, and cerebral microbleeds. Cerebrospinal fluid analyses demonstrated reduced levels of cerebral amyloid-β 42, and elevated total tau. His apolipoprotein E genotype was ε3/ε3. Whole-exome sequencing did not detect mutations in genes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including presenilin 1, presenilin 2, and amyloid precursor protein. These findings led to a clinical diagnosis of iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) using recently proposed diagnostic criteria, which do not require pathological evaluation of the brain. Iatrogenic CAA should be considered as a cause of lobar hemorrhage in young patients, especially those with a past history of neurosurgery.

AVMs are rarest congenital anomalies constituting around 1% of pediatric population. Arteriovenous malformations originate at 4th to 10th weeks of intra uterine life due to persistence of primitive arteriovenous shunts. Though the exact prevalence is unknown, upper limb constitute around 10 % of all AVMs. Hand being the most common region affected after head and neck. Author is presenting here a rare case of palmar arteriovenous malformation in child since birth, hindering her routine daily activities, and its unique way of surgical management. Hand arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are challenging to treat due the necessity to maintain function and aesthetic appearance. The risk of fatal bleeding makes resection of AVMs a challenging and stressful procedure, but however in the presence of available efficient equipments to control the bleeding and expertise of the available treating surgeons, primary surgical resection can be considered a feasible option in a tertiary care pediatric center. • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies consisting of an abnormal vascular network in which arterial blood flow directly connects to venous drainage; they can be high flow or low flow lesions, depending upon their flow characteristics on imaging modalities. • Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the upper limb constitute 10% of AVMs. Hand being the most common region affected after head and neck. • The literature describes multiple pre-operative adjuvant treatment modalities, like Beta blocker, sclerotherapy, embolisation and LASER, aimed at reducing the size, extent of the lesion so as to minimize the surgical dissection and hence the bleeding. • The risk of fatal bleeding makes resection of AVMs a challenging and stressful procedure, but however in the presence of available efficient equipments to control the such bleeding as well as the expertise of the available treating surgeons, primary surgical resection can be considered a feasible option without need for local advancement flaps or plasties, but however ,using synthetic dural patch without nay morbidity or mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dura mater, the furthest and strongest layer of the meninges, is crucial for protecting the brain and spinal cord. Its biomechanical behavior is vital, as any alterations can compromise biological functions. In recent decades, interest in the dura mater has increased due to the need for hermetic closure of dural defects prompting the development of several substitutes. Collagen-based dural substitutes are common commercial options, but they lack the complex biological and structural elements of the native dura mater, impacting regeneration and potentially causing complications like wound/postoperative infection and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. To face this issue, recent tissue engineering approaches focus on creating biomimetic dura mater substitutes. The objective of this review is to discuss whether mimicking the mechanical properties of native tissue or ensuring high biocompatibility and bioactivity is more critical in developing effective dural substitutes, or if both aspects should be systematically linked. After a brief description of the properties and architecture of the native cranial dura, we describe the advantages and limitations of biomimetic dura mater substitutes to better understand their relevance. In particular, we consider biomechanical properties' impact on dura repair's effectiveness. Finally, the obstacles and perspectives for developing the ideal dural substitute are explored.

We document the results of a protocol to reduce the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and other wound complications in patients undergoing tethered cord surgery (TCS). Data from all patients undergoing TCS between January 2009 and April 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnosis (high risk or low risk; based on the presence of fascial and dural defects at surgery), type of graft used for dural or fascial repair, and CSF leak and other wound complications in the postoperative period were noted. All patients were nursed in the prone position with elevation of the foot end of the bed (Trendelenburg position) for at least 5 days after surgery with a subfascial drain in place. Of a total of 350 patients (191 high risk; 159 low risk), CSF leak from the wound was noted in 16 (4.5%). All but 4 of these patients were managed with wound suturing with or without insertion of a subcutaneous drain with continued nursing in the prone and Trendelenburg position. Two patients had meningitis and 3 patients had wound infection. Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of synthetic grafts (P < 0.000) and inability to close the dura (P = 0.02) were the only significant risk factors for CSF wound leak. Wound infections and/or dehiscence were noted in 17 (4.8%) other patients. Postoperative prone nursing with Trendelenburg position minimizes the incidence of CSF leak and other wound complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In many brain surgeries, dura cannot be primarily repaired and it is necessary to use a graft. Appropriate repair of dura plays a major role in preventing CSF leakage and meningitis. In the cases where sufficient Pericranium is not available for recovery, we need to use graft from other resources. The present study compares the results of amniotic membrane dural graft and pericranium dural graft in terms of CSF leakage and Pseudomeningocele. Materials and methods: This is a semi-empirical research. Thirty cases underwent dural graft with amnion membrane because of inadequate local pericranium for repair. There were 30 other historical cases that had undergone auto-graft dural graft with Pericranium in the same center. Results: The average age of the participants in Pericranium graft group (P, n = 30) and those in amniotic graft group (A, n = 30) was 39.1 ± 15 and 43.9 ± 19 years old, respectively. As for the P and A groups, there were 14 and 17 males, respectively. Two cases of CSF leakage (7%) were observed in P group, while none was reported in A group. There were 3 cases (10%) of meningitis in Pericranium group and 2 cases (7%) were reported in amnion group. Out of 2 cases of meningitis in group P, 2 cases were associated with CSF leak. 5 cases of Hydrocephalus (17%) were observed in group P and 9 cases (30%) were reported in group A. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in any complication. The frequency of hydrocephalus was significantly higher in posterior fossa craniotomy. Conclusion: Amniotic membrane may provide a good source for cases with a large dural defect and can be utilized for all ages. Of course, its application in cases of posterior fossa craniotomy needs to be carefully studied so that the best results may be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Duraplasty, a common neurosurgical intervention, involves synthetic or biological graft placement to ensure dural closure. The objective of this study is to advance our understanding of the use of dural substitutes in cranial surgery. Methods The PubMed database was systematically searched to identify studies published over the past decade (2007–2017) that described duraplasty procedures. Clinical data were disaggregated and analyzed for the comparisons of biological versus synthetic grafts. Results A total of 462 cases were included in the quantitative synthesis. Overall, the most common indication for duraplasty was tumor resection (53%). Allografts were more frequently used in decompression for Chiari malformations compared with xenografts and synthetic grafts ( P < 0.001). Xenografts were more frequently used in decompressive hemicraniectomy procedures for evacuation of acute subdural hematomas over allografts and synthetics ( P < 0.001). Synthetic grafts were more frequently used in tumor cases than biological grafts ( P = 0.002). The cumulative complication rate for dural substitutes of all types was 11%. There were no significant differences in complication rates among the 3 types of dural substitutes. Conclusions Dural substitutes are commonly used to ensure dural closure in a variety of cranial procedures. This study provides greater insight into duraplasty practices and highlights the moderate complication rate associated with the procedure. Future studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of such procedures in larger prospective cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following case of a posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty illustrates the occurrence of a rare complication of the procedure. The percentage of these procedures that develop complications vary greatly, ranging from 3–40% as is reported in the literature on the topic. Differences in complication rates between different types of grafts vary in the literature as well, with meta-analyses showing few significant differences between different graft types. Epidural abscess however, is rarely if ever sited as a complication for either synthetic or biological origin grafts. Additionally, the type of damage to the original bovine pericardium dural graft is rare as complications of CSF leaks are almost always reported as stemming from the suture line of the graft, not from damage to the center of the graft itself. Whether the complication was due to an inherent characteristic of the bovine pericardium itself or an outlying factor of the procedure is unknown, but it is important to note that this rare complication of an epidural abscess as well as the type of damage that caused the CSF leak is a possibility when performing posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty.

The purpose of this study was to compare human fibrinogen-thrombin-based liquid dural graft; Beriplast® (Behring, Malburg, Germany) and collagen-based dural graft; Tissudura® (Baxter, Heidelberg, Germany) in terms of efficiency, side effects and complications. Thirty Spraque Dawley rats were used in this experimental study. A burrhole was opened on the left parietal bone of each subject and experimental dural defect was created. While 10 subjects were in sham group without any dural defect repair, dural defect was repaired by Beriplast in 10 subjects, by Tissudura in 10 subjects. After twenty-one day follow-up, edema, gliosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the parenchyma, foreign body reaction in the bone, fibrosis in the epidural space and dura were evaluated histopathologically. Beriplast caused much more severe inflammation on cortex. When we compared Tissudura group with the sham group in terms of parenchymal edema and gliosis, the difference was not significant. On the other hand, we have found a significant increase in cortical parenchymal edema in Beriplast group. The last generation dural grafts result in different degrees of the tissue reaction. Severe inflammatory reaction can provide more satisfactory results in terms of watertight dural closure but on the other hand, the same reaction can be a disadvantage to the surrounding tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posterior fossa decompression (PFD) with/without duraplasty is the standard surgical treatment for symptomatic CM-1. Posterior fossa decompression without duraplasty (PFD) may be associated with shorter operative times and hospital stays, fewer complications, and may yield improvements in symptoms and syrinx sizes. Posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD) may be associated with superior long-term symptomatic improvements, larger syrinx reductions, and a lower need for revision decompression. Various dural graft materials may be used for PFDD, though the ideal type of graft has not been definitively established. Other adjunct surgical procedures may be added to PFD/PFDD given certain symptomatic or anatomical considerations., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Postoperative CSF leak is a known complication of spinal surgery especially after surgery for neural tube defects (NTD). The problem can metamorphose into a severe infection. This article hopes to shed some light on the management of these problems and suggests precautions so as to reduce their occurrence. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 102 children, between the ages of 1 day and 12 years, operated for various spinal pathologies, over the past 2.5 years by the same surgeon (CB) was done. The various methods of dural closure were noted. The methods of management of postoperative CSF leaks were analysed, and the patients were followed till discharge. Results: The incidence of CSF leak was found to be 12.7 %. The methods of management included lumbar drain only ( n = 7), lumbar drain with re-exploration ( n = 3), lumbar drain followed by lumboperitoneal shunt ( n = 2) and only lumboperitoneal shunt ( n = 1). The use of fibrin glue did not seem to significantly prevent the incidence of CSF leak in cases. Conclusions: Primary and meticulous dural closure is sine qua non in preventing postoperative CSF leak. A lumbar drain is a convenient and economical method of managing the problem initially failing which more invasive methods like re-exploration may be employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Symptomatic arachnoiditis after posterior fossa surgical procedures such as decompression of Chiari malformation is a possible complication. Clinical presentation is generally insidious and delayed by months or years. It causes disturbances in the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and enlargement of a syrinx cavity in the upper spinal cord. Surgical de-tethering has favorable results with progressive collapse of the syrinx and relief of the associated symptoms. Case Description: A 30-year-old male with Chiari malformation type I was treated by performing posterior fossa bone decompression, dura opening and closure with a suturable bovine pericardium dural graft. Postoperative period was uneventful until the fifth day in which the patient suffered intense headache and progressive loose of consciousness caused by an acute posterior fossa epidural hematoma. It was quickly removed with complete clinical recovering. One year later, the patient experienced progressive worsened of his symptoms. Upper spinal cord tethering was diagnosed and a new surgery for debridement was required. Conclusions: The epidural hematoma compressing the dural graft against the neural structures contributes to the upper spinal cord tethering and represents a nondescribed cause of postoperative fibrosis, adhesion formation, and subsequent recurrent hindbrain compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are four types of Chiari malformations described in the literature. Due to the fact that it is a common finding in the general population (true Chiari being present in 0,75% of the population), Chiari 1 malformation was also called Chiari anomaly. Material and methods: In the last 5 years 17 patients with Chiari I malformation have been treated in our clinic. There were 12 women and 5 men. The mean age was 43 years (between 21 and 60 years). The symptoms were grouped in 6 syndromes: brain stem and bulbar palsy syndrome, cerebellar syndrome, central cord syndrome, paroxysmal intracranial hypertension, scoliosis, pyramidal syndrome. Surgical treatment: According to recent literature patients respond best when operated within 2 years from the onset of symptoms. We recommend early surgery for symptomatic patients. Surgical treatment of Chiari I malformation should accomplish several golds. First of all, there is the obvious need to decompress the lower part of the cerebellum. Chiari I malformation being related to a small posterior fossa, the surgical treatment should realise enlargement of the total volume of the posterior fossa(7, 12). In the author’s opinion the key point in surgical treatment of Chiari 1 malformation should be to reestablish the CSF flow at the level of the foramen of Magendie and foramen magnum. Various approaches were used in the last five years in our clinic for the treatment of symptomatic patients: only osseous decompression in 2 patients; osseus decompression with dural grafting and intradural dissection of adhesions in 4 patients; osseous decompression with dural grafting, intradural dissection, and tonsillar coagulation in 11 patients Results: The long-term (6 months postoperative) surgery-related result was considered excellent if symptoms resolved (7 patients). The result was considered good if the patient experienced significant improvement but also residual symptoms (8 patients). A poor result indicated no change in symptoms (2 patients). As for the surgical technique used, the vast majority of patients with good or excellent outcome at 6 months underwent osseous decompression with dural grafting, intradural dissection, and tonsillar coagulation Conclusions: Regarding Chiari I malformations, the author considers that a proper patient selection is critical to prevent unnecessary procedures and maximize the outcome. In light of this study results and recent literature, the author considers that the surgical gold standard consists in three key steps: posterior fossa craniectomy followed by durotomy and subarachnoid decompression of CSF flow and last duroplasty.

Objective: Duraplasty can be performed both by means of autologous tissues (such as galea-pericranium, temporal muscle, fascia lata) or by commercially available dural patches. Nowadays many neurosurgeons consider galea-pericranium duraplasty time-consuming, technically demanding or not adequate, thus dural surrogates are increasingly popular. In this prospective research we compared duraplasty using autologous galea-pericranium vs. dural patches in terms of postoperative long term results, ease/time required and costs. Patients and methods: Research has been designed as prospective cohort study, that included 185 patients undergoing supratentorial elective neurosurgery with galea-pericranium or non-autologous duraplasty (minimum follow-up 12 months). Variables taken into account were: wound infection, CSF fistula, subcutaneous CSF collection, bone flap osteitis, brain abscess, empyema and tardive wound dehiscence (particularly after postoperative radiotherapy). Time for galea-pericranium collection, size of galea-pericranium harvest and dural defects were recorded in each case. Costs for non-autologous duroplasty were calculated. Results: No statistically significant differences were evident in long term postoperative results between the two groups. Mean time of galea-pericranium collection is less than 2 min and enough galea-pericranium can be harvested in supratentorial approach to cover almost any dural defect. The only difference between the two groups is costs: an average of 268.7€/patient spent just for duraplasty. This figure is surely substantial if considered for the entire amount of surgeries performed in a department. Conclusions: Considering that in our study long term results are equivalent, that galea-pericranium duraplasty is feasible and rapid, our indications are in favor of saving a considerable amount of money since an ideal autologous dural substitute is available and "free". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The use of dural grafts is very useful when primary dural closure cannot be achieved. Our primary objective was to study the incidence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, including fistula and pseudomeningocele, and postoperative infection by comparing autologous material and a new collagen graft. Materials and Methods: A prospective nonrandomized study with a new collagen-based product derived from porcine cells (Peridry) was performed. It was used for dural replacement in 50 patients who underwent a variety of neurosurgical procedures requiring the use of a dural graft. These results were compared with a control group of 50 patients who were treated with autologous duraplasty material. The follow-up period was 3 months. Results: Postoperative overall cerebrospinal fluid fistula occurred in 6% of both groups. No patient in the collagen group developed any sort of infection. One patient in the control developed osteomyelitis in the bone flap. Conclusion: The new collagen-based product derived from porcine cells (Peridry), compared with an autologous tissue, is safe, effective, easy to use, as well as time saving in cranial neurosurgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study is a case report and review of the literature. Spinal cord herniation is a rare, although increasingly recognized, cause of spinal cord dysfunction. It is due to an anterior dural defect, through which the spinal cord herniates. The purpose of this article is to report the authors' experience and to provide insight on clinical presentation and radiological signs to make the reader aware of this entity and then to prevent misdiagnosis. The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for spinal cord herniation at their institution between 2000 and 2008. Three patients were treated (all women) and the interval between the onset of symptoms and surgery ranged from 24 to 48 months. All patients had progressive signs of thoracic myelopathy, and two of them were initially misdiagnosed. In all cases, the herniation was reduced and the defect repaired using different methods. The results and complications of our cases were compared with that of the reported literature. According to the results in these cases and the review of the literature, the authors believe that spinal cord herniation should be treated by using a dural patch to close the dural defect and to prevent retethering of the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of the suboccipital craniectomy and dorsal laminectomy of C1 with durotomy and placement of a dural graft for treatment of syringohydromyelia (SHM) because of cerebellar tonsil herniation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). This technique is used with great success in human medicine. Study Design Four CKCS diagnosed by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of SHM because of cerebellar tonsil herniation and not responsive to medical therapy underwent a suboccipital craniectomy and dorsal laminectomy of C1 (2 dogs) and of C1 and partial C2 (2 dogs) with durotomy and placement of a dural graft. Three dogs were evaluated neurologically 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively and evaluations were compared with preoperative neurological examination. Repeat MRI took place 3 months postoperatively. Results Neurological examinations showed neither improvement nor progression of clinical signs 3 months postoperatively. MRI showed no regression of syrinx size 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion Improvement was not seen. Given the progressive nature of the disorder, evaluation over a longer period of time is necessary to detect if progression has stopped. Some modification to the surgical technique is needed to accomplish the same results as in human medicine. A study of a larger population is needed to attain more reliable information. Clinical Relevance Suboccipital craniectomy and dorsal laminectomy of C1 with durotomy and placement of a dural graft is a feasible technique in CKCS, but needs some modification to accomplish the same results as in human medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary tethered cord syndrome following initial repair for spinal dysraphism is an important area of interest. In this study, 32 cases with spinal dysraphism in the lumbosacral region were enrolled, in whom radical repair with autologous material had been carried out in the early stage soon after birth. During the follow-up period of up to 19 years 10 months, surgery was considered to be indicated in 2 of the 8 lipomeningocele cases and in 6 of the 24 meningocele and meningomyelocele cases, because of the presence of tethered cord syndrome 4–19 years after the primary operation. In all 8 of these cases, MR imaging demonstrated tethered spinal cord in the form of low conus medullaris. In 6 of the 8 operated cases surgery was followed by improvement of the spinal neurological deterioration. According to our experience, early untethering for secondary tethered cord syndrome is essential. In addition, since the complications of Silastic duraplasty at untethering were all minor and the operative outcome was satisfactory, the use of silicone rubber sheeting as a dural substitute might be recommended to prevent adhesion of the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reviewed the records of 94 patients who underwent initial repair of a lipomyelomeningocele between 1982 and July 1996 at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to determine the incidence and time course of symptomatic retethering. In each of these patients, the initial operative goals were to microsurgically debulk as much of the lipoma as possible to allow the conus to move freely within the spinal canal, to divide any tethering arachnoidal adhesions, to close the pia if possible and to reconstitute a capacious thecal sac, using a dural graft if necessary. With a median follow-up of 58 months, 19 of these patients (20.2%) required 28 subsequent operations for symptomatic retethering. Median time between the initial procedure and reoperation for retethering was 52 months. The primary complaint of 12 patients was intractable low-back or leg pain. Other common symptoms were progressive bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, deterioration of motor function and foot deformities. The decision to reoperate was based predominantly on the clinical situation of the patient; magnetic resonance imaging was used to confirm the location and extent of tethering. Patients with transitional lipomas had a significantly higher frequency of symptomatic retethering than those with caudal or dorsal lesions (p < 0.05). No other clinical or technical feature correlated with an increased frequency of retethering. In particular, none of a variety of types of dural graft materials appeared to entirely prevent symptomatic retethering. Following reoperation, pain complaints resolved and many of the other symptoms improved partially or resolved completely. Although the long-term results were also favorable in the majority of patients, a small subgroup (n = 6) exhibited repetitive symptomatic tethering that proved increasingly difficult to treat. We concluded that symptomatic retethering is a common problem in children with lipomyelomeningoceles, even after an adequate initial operation. To date, no type of graft material has been shown to entirely prevent this problem. Close long-term surveillance of such patients is required to allow detection and treatment of symptomatic retethering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period from October 1, 1989 to October 1, 1995 a total of 26 cases of Chiari type I malformation not associated with syringomyelia were attended in our Hospital. All patients underwent cranio-cervical decompression, with occipital craniectomy and removal of the posterior arch of C1. In 3/26 (11.5%) cases an additional C2 laminectomy had to be performed and in 1/26 (3.8%) case the C3 laminae were also removed. A first group of 13 patients underwent dural repair with freeze-dried cadaveric dura sutured with continuous 4-0 Vicryl® running stitches, reinforced with fibrin sealant (Tissucol®). A second group of 13 patients underwent duraplasty with autogenous occipital pericranium also sutured with continuous 4-0 Vycril® but no fibrin sealant at all was added. In the first group, in which freeze-dried cadaveric dura plus Tissuco® was used, there were 2/13 (15.3%) cases of CSF leak, requiring some additional skin stitches to stop the leak. In 5/13 (38.4%) cases there were notorious subcutaneous CSF accumulations that required repeated punctures plus compressive bandage. In 6/13 (46.1%) pseudomeningoceles appeared that took a year to clear completely. In the 13 patients who underwent dural repair with autogenous occipital pericranium watertight closure was achieved with sutures only, no fibrin sealant was added at all. Neither CSF leaks through the wound nor subcutaneous CSF accumulations were noted. We conclude that, in our hands, autologous pericranium taken from the occipital area, gives better results than freeze-dried cadaveric dura mater in durpplasty for surgical repair of Chiari type I malformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomeningocele is an uncommon complication of spinal surgery. The condition is most often asymptomatic and self-limiting. A proportion of patients may present with lower back pain, dural fistulas, radiculopathy or myelopathy. Cauda equina syndrome due to a pseudomeningocele has been reported due to herniation of the Cauda equina roots through the dural defect. We report a case of large pseudomeningocele causing an impending Cauda equina syndrome by acting as an extradural mass lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several methods have been proposed to achieve a watertight dural closure, including the use of fibrin sealant to reinforce sutures. We propose a fast technique using oxidized cellulose and fibrin glue to achieve firm and watertight closure of minor dural defects in supratentorial cranial surgery. Technical Note: Oxidized cellulose is cut to the shape of the dural defect and applied as an onlay graft. Fibrin sealant is then applied over the cellulose and the dural margins defect. The web conformation of oxidized cellulose avoids adhesion of fibrin glue to the underlying cortical surface of the brain. This technique has been applied in 45 of 467 supratentorial craniotomies during two consecutive years. The procedure was performed in few seconds. Postoperatively, three patients developed subgaleal fluid collection, which resolved conservatively in two cases. There were no other complications or reoperations. Conclusion: We used a piece of oxidized cellulose, reinforced by fibrin glue, as a sutureless graft with more ease and less technical demand than other techniques. The reported technique is a fast and valid alternative to small dural defect closure methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following Simpson Grade 1 excision of large convexity meningioma there is often a need for synthetic dural substitutes. One problem with some of these grafts is that they lack tensile strength when wet and therefore sink into the cavity left following removal of the meningioma. A simple method to prevent ‘sinking’ or sagging of such synthetic dural grafts is described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine pericardium has widely been used for grafts in cardiac surgery and seems to have suitable properties for use as a dural graft. We report our experience of using locally processed bovine pericardium for dural grafts in 22 patients undergoing cranial operations. Methods: 22 patients were analysed prospectively and followed-up for a maximum 3 years. All available records and information regarding the indication for grafting, graft size, complications and outcome were collected and analysed. Results: Indications for grafting included neurosurgical, tumour, congenital and trauma patients. Outcomes were classified as good or excellent in 20 patients, whereas in two patients death was not related to surgical closure but more to malignant intracranial hypertension. In no patient was the dural graft a significant factor in the outcome. Bovine pericardium was found to be easily sutured and watertight using standard 4-0 silk suture. This material is relatively inexpensive compared to other non-synthetic grafts. Conclusion: In this clinical assessment, our bovine pericardium better known as Lyolemb® was found to be an excellent dural graft material for local and eventual international consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]