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Preparation for Surgery for Dermal Sinus Tracts in Children

This page was last updated on January 24th, 2023

Indications for Surgery

  • Sinus tract above gluteal fold: The presence of a sinus opening above the gluteal crease warrants prophylactic surgery. A normal spinal MRI does not preclude the decision for surgical exploration, especially in an infant, according to some authors (2, 16).
  • Emergent surgery for symptomatic cases: Complicated cases and patients with progressive neurological deficits should be treated in an emergent manner.
  • Treat infections first: Surgery is performed on patients with infections only after adequate treatment of the infection.

Preoperative Orders

  • Steroids for meningismus: Corticosteroids are used to decrease the edema, usually in cases associated with inclusion tumor or abscess.
  • Antibiotics: If there is any clinical or radiological evidence of infection, preoperative antibiotics are advised to control the infection and prevent dissemination of the active purulent material during the procedure.

Anesthetic Considerations

  • IOM: No specific consideration except for the time that electrophysiological monitoring is used for surgery.

Devices to Be Implanted

  • Equipment for laminotomy: Laminotomy is the preferred way of exposing the spinal canal in children. A powered saw will be needed to perform the laminotomy. The laminar roof will need ot be reattached to the pedicles at the endo f the case so the appropriate materials (suture, metal plates and screws or resorbable plates and pins) for its fixation should be available.
  • Dural graft: A dural patch graft from lumbar fascia or other typical sources is advised for a relaxed dural closure.

Ancillary/Specialized Equipment

  • Microscope
  • IOM equipment

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