Outcome of Spinal Dysraphism Surgery without Electrophysiological Monitoring in a Resource-Constrained Country; 5-Year Experience: A Way Forward for Pediatric Neurosurgery

Objective: This study aimed to see the outcome of spinal dysraphism surgery without electrophysiological monitoring. Materials & Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the department of neurosurgery, Jinnah Hospital Lahore. A total of 125 patients were included in the study. Data was collected on a proforma regarding symptoms, location, variety, surgical technique, and rehabilitation, and analyzed for the outcome. Results: Out of 125 patients, 30 patients presented with swelling, 65 with cutaneous stigmata and 30 had neurological deficits. The spinal dysraphism was located in the lumbosacral region in the majority (63%) of cases and no patient was found to have it in the cervical region. 76% of patients had static outcomes despite a lack of electrophysiological monitoring, 17% of patients showed improvement in neurological deficits and 7% deteriorated. Conclusion: The outcome of surgery for spinal dysraphism even without intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring can be satisfactory if done carefully by an expert team.