Retrosigmoid versus middle fossa approach for hearing and facial nerve preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery: A systematic review and comparative meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors arising from vestibular nerve's Schwann cells. Surgical resection via retrosigmoid (RS) or middle fossa (MF) is standard, but the optimal approach remains debated. This meta-analysis evaluated RS and MF approaches for VS management, emphasizing hearing preservation and Cranial nerve seven (CN VII) outcomes stratified by tumor size. METHODS: Systematic searches across PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase identified relevant studies. Hearing and CN VII outcomes were gauged using the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gardner Robertson, and House-Brackmann scores. RESULTS: Among 7228 patients, 56 % underwent RS and 44 % MF. For intracanalicular tumors, MF recorded 38 % hearing loss, compared to RS's 54 %. In small tumors (<1.5 cm), MF showed 41 % hearing loss, contrasting RS's lower 15 %. Medium-sized tumors (1.5 cm-2.9 cm) revealed 68 % hearing loss in MF and 55 % in RS. Large tumors (>3cm) were only reported in RS with a hearing loss rate of 62 %. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, while MF may be preferable for intracanalicular tumors, RS demonstrated superior hearing preservation for small to medium-sized tumors. This research underlines the significance of stratified outcomes by tumor size, guiding surgical decisions and enhancing patient outcomes.

Superior orbital fissure narrowing and tumor-associated pain in spheno-orbital meningiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) represent a distinct subtype of meningioma characterized by their unique multi-compartmental invasion pattern. Previous studies have investigated correlations between SOMs and visual manifestations. However, our comprehension of pain associated with SOMs remains limited. This study aims to provide insight into the pathophysiology underlying SOM-related pain through measurements of tumor volume and superior orbital fissure (SOF) narrowing. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgical resection of a SOM between 2000 and 2022. Preoperative CT and/or MRI scans were analyzed, and the tumor volume of each segment was measured. Bony 3D reconstructions were used to measure the area of the SOF, and SOF narrowing was calculated. RESULTS: The study cohort included 66 patients diagnosed with SOMs, among which 25.8% (n = 17) presented with pain. Postoperatively, 14/17 (82.4%) of patients reported pain improvement. There was no significant correlation between the total volume or the volume of tumor within each compartment and the presence of pain on presentation (p > 0.05). The median SOF narrowing was significantly different between patients presenting with and without tumor-associated pain with median of 11 mm2 (IQR 2.8-22.3) and 2 mm2 (IQR 0-6), respectively (p = 0.005). Using logistic regression, a significant correlation between the degree of SOF narrowing and the presence of SOM-associated pain on presentation was identified, with an aOR of 1.2 (95% CI 1.12-1.3, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: While the exact cause of tumor-associated pain remains unclear, SOF narrowing seems to play a role in pain among SOM patients. Based on the radiological characteristics, SOF neurovascular decompression is recommended in SOM patients.

Assessing the safety and efficacy of EVOH Pre-Embolization in head and neck paraganglioma tumors: A comprehensive analysis of current literature.

BACKGROUND: Head and Neck Paragangliomas are characterized by having a rich blood supply. Presurgical embolization with Onyx as a neoadjuvant treatment is not a consensus regarding its efficacy and safety. Our study aimed to answer this matter through a single-arm meta-analysis. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 4 databases. Sixteen studies were described and suitable papers were selected for meta-analysis of estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL), percentage of tumor devascularization, and complications associated with embolization. RESULTS: The study identified 198 patients with 203 tumors, aged between 8 and 70 years. Commonly reported symptoms included neck mass perception and cranial nerve impairment. Carotid Body Tumors were most prevalent (127, 62.5 %), followed by jugular (48, 23.6 %), or vagal (29, 14.2 %) tumors. Eight studies reported estimated intraoperative blood loss (EBL) averaging 261.89 ml (95 %CI: 128.96 to 394.81 ml). In an analysis of 9 studies, 99 % (95 %CI: 96 to 100 %) achieved 70 % or more devascularization, and 79 % (95 %CI: 58 to 100 %) achieved 90 % or more devascularization. Complications from endovascular procedures were observed in 3 % (95 %CI: 0 to 8 %) of 96 patients across 10 studies, including 4 facial nerve deficits. Eighteen postoperative neurological deficits were reported across 15 articles. CONCLUSION: Despite acknowledged limitations, with refined indications, EVOH, especially Onyx embolization may significantly bolster patient safety, decreasing EBL and easing surgical resection. Further research with larger studies will refine criteria, optimize techniques, and improve patient care and treatment outcomes in the management of head and neck paragangliomas.

Exoscopic supraorbital approach for a suprasellar craniopharyngioma.

The authors present an operative video of a supraorbital craniotomy for resection of a suprasellar, supradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma. The patient is a 62-year-old female who presented with 3 months of blurry vision secondary to a 2.5-cm suprasellar mass causing compression on the optic nerve. Supraorbital craniotomy was selected due to the supradiaphragmatic location of the tumor and the subsequent disadvantages, including CSF leakage, of other approaches such as the endoscopic endonasal approach. The operative video emphasizes optimizing operating room (OR) setup to improve surgeon ergonomics and comfort. The patient underwent an uncomplicated gross-total resection with subsequent discharge home the day after surgery. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23140.

EFFECTIVENESS OF VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION IN THE TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIC ARTHROPATHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Objective: To describe the efficacy of using viscosupplementation in patients with hemophilic arthropathy (HA), on pain, limb functionality, and quality of life. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines without limitations of language or year of publication. The search was performed on the following medical databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, BVS/BIREME, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and PROQUEST in April 2020. The search used the following word: (hemophilia AND joint diseases) OR (haemophilic arthropathy OR hemophilic arthropathy) AND viscosupplementation. Results: The systematic review identified 127 articles, 10 of which were selected for data extraction and qualitative analysis. The 10 selected articles included 297 joints with HA in 177 hemophilic subjects. Our review showed positive results in alleviating pain and improving functional capacity, and quality of life. No major adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: There is a lack of scientific evidence regarding viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, but the results presented in this research suggest that it is an effective and safe therapeutic option to alleviate pain and improve functional capacity in patients with HA. Level of Evidence II, Systematic Review.

Objetivo: Descrever o uso da viscossuplementação com ácido hialurônico em pacientes com artropatia hemofílica (HA), sua eficácia na dor, a funcionalidade do membro e a qualidade de vida após sua aplicação. Métodos: Revisão sistemática da literatura (RSL) que seguiu as diretrizes PRISMA, sem limitação de idioma ou ano de publicação. A pesquisa foi realizada em abril de 2020 nas seguintes bases de dados médicas: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, BVS/BIREME, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost e ProQuest. A estratégia de pesquisa foi: (hemofilia AND joint disease) OR (artropatia hemofílica OU artropatia hemofílica) E viscossuplementação. Resultados: A RSL identificou 127 artigos, dos quais 10 foram selecionados para extração de dados e análise qualitativa. Os 10 artigos selecionados incluíram 297 articulações com AH em 177 indivíduos hemofílicos. Nossa revisão mostrou resultados positivos na melhora da dor, na capacidade funcional e na qualidade de vida. Não foram observados efeitos adversos importantes. Conclusão: A evidência científica atual a respeito da viscossuplementação com ácido hialurônico é escassa, mas os resultados apresentados nesta pesquisa sugerem que é uma opção terapêutica eficaz e segura para diminuir a dor e melhorar a capacidade funcional em pacientes com AH. Nível de Evidência II, Revisão Sistemática.

Exoscopic supraorbital approach for a tuberculum sellae meningioma.

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas are midline anterior skull base tumors and account for approximately 10-15% of all intracranial meningiomas. Clinical presentation of tuberculum sellae meningiomas is mainly characterized by visual deficits due to optic chiasm compression or optic canal invasion. Treatment options for TSM typically involve surgical resection of the tumor. The relevant microsurgical anatomy of the suprasellar region was discussed. (1,2). Tumor size, anatomical variations can affect the best approach for these tumors, with several approaches been described to access the suprasellar region as pterional, endoscopic endonasal and supraorbital approach that was the choice for this case (3). Besides the surgical corridor, minimally invasive techniques that preserve the surrounding tissue are becoming increasingly popular and are perfectly suited to deep seated lesions. In this article, we present a surgical video of an exoscopic supraorbital approach for resection of a tuberculum sellae meningioma. This is a case of a 42-year-old right-handed female who presented with headaches and progressive vision loss. Patient presented with tumor growth and surgery was indicated. We chose the minimally invasive supraorbital approach and then used the exoscope as magnification tool visualization tool. Gross total resection and decompression of the optic canals was achieved with improvement of visual field deficits.

Atrium meningioma: Transtubular posterior intraparietal sulcus approach.

Meningiomas that arise in the atria of the lateral ventricles are relatively rare lesions, that pose a unique challenge for surgery due to their deep-seated location and proximity to critical white matter tracts. Size and anatomical variations can affect the best approach for these tumors, with several approaches described to access the atrium including the interhemispheric trans-precuneus, trans-supramarginal gyrus, distal trans-sylvian, supracerebellar trans-collateral sulcus, and finally the trans-intraparietal sulcus approach, which was the choice for this case. Minimally invasive techniques that preserve the surrounding tissue are becoming increasingly popular and are perfectly suited to deep seated lesions. The relevant subcortical anatomy surrounding the atrium is discussed. The optic radiations form the lateral wall of the atrium, whereas commissural fibers of the tapetum form the roof of the atrium, and superficial to these fibers we have the superior longitudinal fasciculus that have vertical rami that communicate with the superior parietal lobule. Utilizing the posterior half of the intraparietal sulcus can preserve these fibers. The use of neuronavigation, brain magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography may be helpful in the surgical planning. In this article, we present a surgical video of a trans-tubular interparietal sulcus approach for resection of an atrium meningioma. A 43-year-old right-handed female who presented with progressive headaches and a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension was found to have an atrial meningioma that grew in follow-up and surgery was recommended. We chose the posterior intraparietal sulcus approach as it provides a good angle of attack while preserving the optic radiations and most of the superior longitudinal fasciculus, using a tubular retractor to minimize tissue damage. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved with complete preservation of patient neurological function.

Exoscopic supracerebellar approach to the pineal region.

The advent of the 3D exoscope represents a significant technological breakthrough in contemporary surgical practice. While the operating microscope has long been the preferred surgical visualization tool, its limitations in accessibility and ergonomics have prompted the development of a more advanced, 3D version [1,2]. The 3D exoscope has been one such recent development aimed at addressing these limitations. By delivering intense illumination and magnification to the deepest parts of the surgical field, 3D exoscopes are high-definition digital camera systems that give surgeons high-magnification views of the operative field [2]. Additionally, the design of the 3D exoscope allows for improved surgeon ergonomics, decreasing overall fatigue while providing a similar view of the procedure for all personnel in the operating room [3,4]. In this article, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the 3D exoscope in neurosurgery and highlight its use in a patient case. This is a case of a 25-year old female who was noted to have an incidental 13 mm pineal cystic mass on imaging work up for a first time generalized seizure. We discuss the use of an exoscopic supracerebellar approach to the pineal gland for resection of the mass and highlight the various considerations for use of an exoscope in such a case.

The Current State of Visualization Techniques in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

Skull base surgery has undergone significant progress following key technological developments. From early candle-lit devices to the modern endoscope, refinements in visualization techniques have made endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) a standard practice for treating a variety of conditions. The endoscope has also been integrated with other technologies to enhance visualization, including fluorescence agents, intraoperative neuronavigation with augmented reality, and the exoscope. Endoscopic approaches have allowed neurosurgeons to reevaluate skull base neuroanatomy from new perspectives. These advances now serve as the foundation for future developments in ESBS. In this narrative review, we discuss the history and development of ESBS, current visualization techniques, and future innovations.

Natural history and volumetric analysis of meningiomas in neurofibromatosis type 2.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to describe the volumetric natural history of meningiomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective descriptive study by reviewing NF2 patients with meningiomas at their institution between 2000 and 2019. Demographic data were collected from the electronic medical records. Tumor volume was collected using volumetric segmentation software. Imaging characteristics including peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) and tumor calcification were collected for each patient from their first to most recent MRI at the authors' institution. An increase of 15% or more per year from original tumor size was used as the cutoff to define growth. RESULTS: A total of 137 meningiomas from 48 patients were included in the analysis. The average number of tumors per person was 2.9. Ninety-nine (72.3%) tumors were in female patients. The median length of follow-up from first imaging to last imaging was 32 months (IQR 10.9, 68.3 months). Most tumors were located in the cerebral convexity (24.8%), followed by the falcine region (18.2%) and spine (10.2%). The median tumor growth was 0.12 cm3/yr (IQR 0.03, 0.52 cm3/yr). At the time of first imaging, 21.9% of tumors had calcifications, while 13.9% of meningiomas had PTBE. Of 137 tumors, 52 showed growth. Characteristics associated with tumor growth included PTBE (OR 9.12, 95% CI 1.48-56.4), tumor volume (per cm3) at first imaging (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99), and 10-year increased age at first imaging (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.74). PTBE had the shortest median time to growth at 9.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of NF2-associated meningiomas do not grow in the short term, a wide range of growth patterns can be seen. Younger age at first imaging and presence of PTBE are associated with growth. Patients with these characteristics likely benefit from closer follow-up.

Preoperative Workup for Patients with Pituitary Lesions.

The pituitary gland plays a vital role in hormonal regulation. Pituitary lesions include tumors, cysts, and inflammatory processes that require multidisciplinary care from endocrinologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, and otolaryngologists. Treatment is typically aimed at controlling hormonal hypersecretion, decompressing the optic apparatus, and reducing tumor volume, and surgery is a common first-line approach. In this article, we provide a background on the function of the pituitary gland, common pituitary lesions, and their clinical presentations, as well as a summary of the history and physical, laboratory testing, and imaging required for the workup of a pituitary lesion.

From Above and Below: The Microsurgical Anatomy of Endoscopic Endonasal and Transcranial Microsurgical Approaches to the Parasellar Region.

INTRODUCTION: The parasellar region is one of the most complex of the skull base. In this study, we review the anatomy and approaches to this region through a 360° perspective, correlating microsurgical and endoscopic anatomic nuances of this area. METHODS: An endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) and microsurgical dissections were performed. The parasellar anatomy is reviewed and common areas of tumor extensions are assessed. Surgical approaches are discussed based on the anatomic nuances of those regions. RESULTS: The cavernous sinus (CS) can be divided into 2 spaces: posterosuperior, above and behind the internal carotid artery (ICA); and anterior, in front of the cavernous ICA. Those spaces can be approached through the CS walls: anterior and/or medial wall via EEA; or superior and/or lateral wall via transcranial approaches. The relationship of the Meckel cave, adjacent to the lateral and posterior wall of the CS, is relevant for surgical planning. Areas often affected by tumor extension can be divided into 6 regions: superior (cisternal), superolateral (parapeduncular), posterolateral (Meckel cave and petrous bone), medial (sella), anterior (superior orbital fissure), and anterior inferior (pterygopalatine fossa). Anatomic and technical nuances of each of those regions should be taken into consideration when dealing with tumors in the parasellar space. CONCLUSIONS: A transcranial approach and EEA provide effective access to the parasellar region. Management of cavernous sinus and Meckel cave tumors requires familiarity with those approaches. Understanding of the surgical anatomy of the parasellar region, from above and below, is therefore necessary for adequate surgical planning and execution.

Reconstruction after extended endonasal approaches to the anterior cranial base: surgical techniques and current results.

The development of extended endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) to the anterior skull base has allowed successful resection of selected extradural and intradural skull base tumors through an endonasal corridor, minimizing brain and cranial nerve manipulation. However, as the complexity of the approaches has increased, so has the need for more robust and reliable reconstructive options to minimize morbidity. Reconstructive decision-making after extended EEA for anterior skull base tumors must take into consideration multiple factors including patient characteristics (Body Mass Index, previous surgeries, and radiation), location and the size of the skull base defect. A multilayered reconstruction which includes a combination of free grafts and a vascularized flap is the standard approach to anterior skull base defects after EEA and should be applied in a stepwise manner tailored to each patient. The techniques and materials used to accomplish skull base repair are discussed, the outcomes in the literature are reviewed, and our reconstructive paradigm presented.

Surgical anatomy and technical nuances of the endoscopic endonasal approach to the anterior cranial fossa.

Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) to the skull base have significantly impacted the management of lesions located in the cranial base. Specifically, lesions arising from the anterior cranial fossa, such as pituitary macroadenomas, craniopharyngiomas meningiomas and craniofacial malignancies have benefited from the development of such approaches. Understanding of the anatomy of the anterior fossa is of utmost importance for the successful selection of the approach and application of surgical techniques in EEA. In the current manuscript, we review the most relevant points of surgical anatomy and nuances of the surgical technique of EEA to the anterior fossa. Anatomical landmarks for the transtuberculum transplanum and transcribriform approaches are discussed and a step-by-step description for those approaches is presented. We reinforce that safe and effective application of such techniques follow the same principles of other skull base surgery techniques: mastering of surgical anatomy, adequate case selection, correct instrumentation and surgical experience.

Survival in patients with surgically treated spinal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Despite the various treatment protocols available, survival evaluation is a fundamental criterion for the definition of surgical management; there are still many inconsistencies in the literature on this topic, especially in terms of the value of surgery and its morbidity in patients with very short survival. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze the association of clinical, oncological, and surgical factors in the survival of patients undergoing spinal surgery for spinal metastases (SM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of forty patients who were surgically treated at our institution for SM between 2010 and 2018 were included in the study. We applied the prognostic scales of Tomita and Tokuhashi in each patient and evaluated the systemic status using Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Scale. Survival rate in months was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curve, with death considered as primary outcome and, for the evaluation of the association between the variables, the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, or Fisher-Freeman-Halton test was applied for better survival. The level of statistical significance was considered as 5% (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The mean survival was 8.4 months. Patients with KPS <70 had a mean survival of 6.36 months, while those with KPS >70 had a mean survival of 14.48 months (P = 0.04). The mean survival of patients classified as ECOG 2 was 7.05 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.4-10.7), and that of patients classified as ECOG 3 and 4 was 1.24 months (95% CI: 0.8-1.59). The mean survival rate among the patients with unresectable metastases in other organs was 6.3 months (95% CI: 3.9-8.9), while the survival rate of those who did not have metastases was 13.8 months (95% CI: 10.0-17.68; P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Survival was associated with the preoperative functional status defined by the KPS and ECOG scales and with the presence of nonresectable visceral metastases.

Reliability of the New AOSpine Classification System for Upper Cervical Traumatic Injuries.

BACKGROUND: The new AOSpine Upper Cervical Classification System (UCCS) was recently proposed by the AOSpine Knowledge Forum Trauma team to standardize the treatment of upper cervical traumatic injuries (UCI). In this context, evaluating its reliability is paramount prior to clinical use. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of the new AOSpine UCCS. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with UCI treated either nonoperatively or with surgery by one of the authors were included in the study. Injuries were classified based on the new AO UCCS according to site and injury type using computed tomography scan images in 3 planes by 8 researchers at 2 different times, with a minimum interval of 4 wk between assessments. Intra- and interobserver reliability was assessed using the kappa index (K). Treatment options suggested by the evaluators were also assessed. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement for sites ranged from 0.830 to 0.999, 0.691 to 0.983 for types, and 0.679 to 0.982 for the recommended treatment. Interobserver analysis at the first assessment was 0.862 for injury sites, 0.660 for types, and 0.585 for the treatment, and at the second assessment, it was 0.883 for injury sites, 0.603 for types, and 0.580 for the treatment. These results correspond to a high level of agreement of answers for the site and type analysis and a moderate agreement for the recommended treatment. CONCLUSION: This study reported an acceptable reproducibility of the new AO UCCS and safety in recommending the treatment. Further clinical studies with a larger patient sample, multicenter and international, are necessary to sustain the universal and homogeneity quality of the new AO UCCS.

Neurological Outcome and Complications in Patients With Surgically Treated Spinal Metastases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the epidemiology of surgical patients with spinal metastases, identify the complications, and evaluate their neurological prognoses. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The development of new oncological treatments and screening tests have increased the survival of oncologic patients, and consequently, the incidence of metastatic lesions of the spine. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of 40 patients surgically treated at the Hospital de Clínicas of UNICAMP for spinal metastases from January 2010 to September 2018, after diagnosis of symptomatic spinal cord compression and/or mechanical instability of the spine. Retrospectively analyzed patient charts applied the SINS score to evaluate the presence of mechanical instability. Neurological function was classified based on the Frankel index preoperative and postoperatively. To evaluate the association between variables, the Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, or Fisher-Freeman-Halton test was applied. For evaluating the improvement of neurological status between the Frankel scores before and after surgery, the McNemar test was applied for categorical and qualitative variables. In both the tests, variables with values of P > 0.05 were considered. RESULTS: Pain as the reason for the first visit presented an odds ratio (OR) = 2.44 (95% [CI]: 1.14-5.2) for instrumentation need (P = 0.024). A higher SINS score corresponded to the indication for instrumentation surgery due to the instability of the spine (P = 0.004). Within 30 days postoperative, five patients (11.1%) had complications. There was a statistically significant neurological improvement in patients who underwent surgery (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Pain as the first symptom was related to mechanical instability of the spine and surgical instrumentation. Patients treated with surgery presented improvement of the neurological function in the postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Using the keystone design perforator island flap in large myelomeningocele closure.

OBJECTIVE: Many repair techniques have been proposed to treat large myelomeningocele (MMC), and although effective in many cases, some of these techniques can be complex and time consuming, with complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, flap loss, tip necrosis, and wound dehiscence. The purpose of this study was to analyze cases of large skin defects and the methods applied and to report the outcomes of the keystone design perforator island flap (KDPIF) technique for large MMC closure. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of all neonatal patients who had undergone KDPIF for MMC closure in the period from 2013 to 2018. All patients had a diagnosis of lumbosacral MMC based on obstetric ultrasound. The neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons had selected the cases after concluding that primary closure would be unlikely. The design of the flap is based on the randomly located vascular perforators, creating two identical opposing flaps to fashion a double keystone flap. During wound closure, V-Y advancement of each end of the double flap in the longitudinal axis creates redundancy in the central portion of the flap and reduces the horizontal tension. After discharge, both the neurosurgery and plastic surgery teams followed up all patients, tracking the results with photography. RESULTS: No skin flap dehiscence or necrosis, infection, or CSF leakage was detected, proving the reliability of the flap. One of the patients required further surgery for the large skin defects after insufficient intrauterine closure of the MMC and successfully underwent KDPIF treatment. Another patient (14.3%) had severe neonatal sepsis, which ultimately led to death. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was required after the skin defect repair in 5 (83.3%) of the 6 surviving patients. Exceptional aesthetic results were achieved for all patients during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The KDPIF technique is based on well-known vascular perforators of the intercostal, lumbar, and gluteal regions. Wound tension is widely distributed by the flap and, as a consequence, relevant tissue bulk, reliable vascularity, and important geometrical versatility are provided. In addition, most of the muscles and fascia are preserved, which is another advantage in terms of minimizing secondary morbidity to local tissue rearrangement. The use of KDPIF closure was successfully shown to be a viable alternative for more complex MMCs that present with large skin defects.