ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical profile prognosis and surgical outcome of various neural tubedefects.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective study of 75 cases of spinal dysraphism managed during a periodof 2 years from December 2013 to December 2015 in Department of Neurosurgery, Bangur Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata. Demographic profiles, clinical presentation of patients with spinal dysraphism, associated hydocephalus, surgical management and outcome were studied.

Results:

Out of total 75 cases studied, female patients outnumbered male with 57.33% to 42.66%. Age ranged from 5 days to 40 years and mean age was 2.71 years whereas MMC sac (80%) and paraparesis (66.66%) were frequent mode of presentation. Lumbosacral lesion (40%) was

commonest followed by sacral lesion (16%). Hydrocephalus was present in 40% of

casesand in 5.3% cases developed hydrocephalus later after repair.

Conclusion:

Neural tube defect is debilitating entity and management is challenging. Lump on back

and weakness of limb are major factor for children and their parents seek medical

service. Lesion in low back (lumbar and lumbosacral) were most common location.

Besides repair, majority of them needed CSF diversion surgery for hydocephalus. Aim

of surgical management was to prevent further deterioration, control of hydrocephalus

or leak.