For a long time, complications related to the spinal cord were considered to be a curse to the life of the baby with the misfortune of having developed it. Life expectancy of such newborns was observed to be considerably less in contrast to that of the healthy infants. The progression of time resulted in various advancements in the field of medicine and surgical procedures have also seen an uphill improvement. In the modern world, most of the medical complications can be tackled using advanced technology and similarly advanced medical treatments.
Meningocele is a type of spina bifida (spinal malformation) where the fusion of the spinal column is incomplete (dysraphism) sometimes resulting in an outward protrusion of the spine. Spina bifida is considered to be one of the most occurring spinal abnormalities which can lead to a life crippling permanent disability. Nearly one out of every 1,500 newborns are affected by
this threatening ailment with one of the primary reasons being a lack of folic acid intake during pregnancy. There are three types of spina bifida: meningocele, myelomeningocele and spina bifida occult.
Many newborns are stricken with spina bifida also show fluid accumulation in the brain. Meningocele is the rarest spina bifida in which a cyst or a sac is formed at the gaps of the spinal cord containing the spinal fluid which surrounds a part of the spinal cord membrane. This cystic formation can be removed surgically further allowing the newborn to lead a normal life without
any worries.
It is possible to diagnose spina bifida before the birth of the baby, usually between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnostic tests of the growing fetus can help determine whether the risk of neural tube defect is present. Some more information on the position of the unborn might be obtained with the use of ultrasound. An accurate diagnosis relating to neural tube defect is possible using a method called amniocentesis, where a small amount of amniotic fluid is examined for irregularities.
As soon as the doctors are able to determine the type and severity of the meningocele, surgery might be scheduled to operate on the affected area. If the mother is not in a position to be operated on or is unwilling, then surgery might be scheduled as soon as the baby is born, usually within 24 – 48 hours of the child’s birth to avoid infections and further complications. Up until the time of the surgery, the affected area will be covered in a sterile dressing.
The surgeons will most likely perform an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the back of the baby or an ultrasound of the brain to check for hydrocephalus (Excess fluid in the brain). If hydrocephalus is present in the child, then a plastic tube (shunt) is placed in the baby’s brain to drain the fluid into the stomach to prevent the excessive pressure that could potentially damage the brain.
The procedure includes surgically releasing the spinal cord, replacing it in the spinal canal and then covering it with muscle and skin. The shunt used to release the excessive fluid is called ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Recovery time for the baby might differ depending upon the severity of the meningocele. If the baby is operated in pre-birth, then continual monitoring of the baby’s position is taken using MRIs and Ultrasounds. In case of post-birth surgery, the newborn might take somewhere between 2 weeks to 4 weeks for recovery. Additionally, MRIs and Ultrasounds will be done to check whether the operated area is healing properly and if there is any development of hydrocephalus.
As with any surgery,Meningocele repair surgery carries with it some of the risks that are common in procedures involving anesthesia such as
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