Successful resection of delayed management rupture midline encephalocele: A case report

Introduction and importance: Encephalocele is an NTD that affects one in every 10,000 live births. A ruptured encephalocele is advised to be operated on as soon as possible, preferably within 48 h. Signs and symptoms of infection should be considered when performing corrective surgery.

Case presentation: We present the case of an 8-day-old baby who had a ruptured midline frontoparietal encephalocele as a result of delayed corrective surgery. The mass on the patient's head measured approximately 7 × 6 × 5 cm with a leakage of clear and yellowish fluids. The head CT scan revealed a multi-enhancement mass, pedunculated with an ill-defined border protruding from the anterior fontanelle.

Clinical discussion: The patient underwent an emergency corrective surgery. Excision was performed completely. The defect was covered with a double-layer closure technique in a watertight manner. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Conclusion: An encephalocele can only be resolved through corrective surgery. In our case, the ruptured midline encephalocele was easily resolved with an emergency corrective surgery. Closure of the defect soon after birth is advised, especially if no layer of skin protects the encephalocele.