BACKGROUND

Porencephalic cysts are brain cavities resulting from perinatal vascular occlusion and are commonly associated with severe neurological deficits and medically intractable epilepsy. Thirty-seven children presenting to the University of Münster with intractable seizures because of a porencephalic cyst were treated by uncapping and fenestration of these cysts to the lateral ventricle between 1978 and 1992. We conducted the following study to determine the efficacy and safety of the uncapping and fenestration procedure for the treatment of seizures.

METHODS

We reviewed all cases retrospectively and assessed the outcome of these patients with regard to seizures, paresis, and perioperative complications.

RESULTS

Of 37 children, 23 (62%) were seizure-free postoperatively. Nine patients (24%) had a reduction of seizures and five children (14%) remained unchanged. Of 30 patients with preoperative hemiparesis, 11 (30%) improved after the operation. The leading postoperative problem was a subcutaneous/subgaleal cushion of CSF, which affected 12 children (12 of 37). A dural patch covering the iatrogenic dural defect could not prevent or reduce postoperative CSF leakage, but prolonged the postoperative fever period. Postoperative fever occurred in 36 children (36 of 37) and was caused by an aseptic meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with intractable seizures and porencephalic cysts benefit from uncapping and cyst fenestration to the lateral ventricle. Concomitant perioperative complications are mild and are easily treated.