Fundamentals of Encephalocele and Meningoencephalocele

Encephalocele and meningoencephalocele are rare conditions that comprise defects in the newborn skull secondary to the impaired closure of the anterior neuropore during the first gestational trimester, it often presents with herniation of the intracranial contents, as well as other craniofacial anomalies. Their treatment poses several nuances which should be addressed preoperatively. The mainstay of the surgical correction includes the reconstruction of the defect and reduction of the contents of the hernial sac while avoiding the communication of the central nervous system to the exterior or the nasal cavity. In this chapter, we emphasize the importance of planning the reconstruction of the bony defect through a multidisciplinary team comprehending both plastic surgeons and neurosurgeons.