Are dermoid and epidermoid tumors preventable complications of myelomeningocele repair?

Dermoids and epidermoids found at reoperation for tethered cord following myelomeningocele repair have been attributed to inadequate excision of cutaneous elements and 'implantation' in the repair site. This study reviews the pathological findings in excised placodes from fresh myelomeningoceles and specimens from tethered cord release and concludes that hamartomatous lesions are a common feature of the myelodysplastic sequence.