What is Meningocele?

A meningocele is a birth defect where there is a sac protruding from the spinal column.

The sac includes spinal fluid, but does not contain neural tissue. It may be covered with skin or with meninges (the membranes that cover the central nervous system). The sac often is visible from the outside of the back.

Meningoceles are considered to be neural tube defects and are a form of spina bifida. It is the least common type of spina bifida. Spina bifida occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 births.

To close meningoceles at the skull base or top of the spine, our surgeons may use the minimally invasive Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (EEA). This innovative, minimally invasive technique uses the nose and nasal cavities as natural corridors to access hard-to-reach or previously inoperable tumors or lesions. Benefits of EEA include:

• no incisions to heal
• no disfigurement
• faster recovery time