Return to Search
EN
Spina bifida surgery is a critical intervention aimed at closing the opening in the spinal cord, and it involves important considerations requiring careful management during and after the operation.
In the post-operative period, protective treatments tailored to the patient's specific needs are of great importance. These treatments may encompass various approaches such as protecting bladder functions, physical therapy applications, and muscle strengthening exercises.
Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain), a condition frequently observed with spina bifida, is closely linked due to a cause-and-effect relationship between the two disorders. Simultaneous treatment plans should be implemented for children with both spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus treatment is typically performed with devices called "shunts." Shunts are thin, silicone-based tubes that redirect excess fluid accumulated in the brain to another part of the body (usually the abdominal cavity) where it can be absorbed. Since babies with spina bifida are often premature or have low birth weight, they are usually expected to reach a certain weight before shunt placement, which may necessitate prolonged hospital stays.
Particularly in open types of spina bifida, there is a high risk of infection due to the exposure of a part of the nervous system to the external environment. Therefore, taking preventive measures against infections and meticulous hygiene practices are vitally important.
In advanced stages of the disease, especially when nerves have protruded outside the spinal column and are damaged, complete nerve repair may not be fully possible. In such cases, the focus shifts to symptomatic treatments aimed at improving the patient's quality of life. However, in cases of closed forms or early-stage spina bifida, complete treatment may be achieved through surgical intervention.
How is Spina Bifida Surgery Performed?
In the post-operative period, protective treatments tailored to the patient's specific needs are of great importance. These treatments may encompass various approaches such as protecting bladder functions, physical therapy applications, and muscle strengthening exercises.
Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain), a condition frequently observed with spina bifida, is closely linked due to a cause-and-effect relationship between the two disorders. Simultaneous treatment plans should be implemented for children with both spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus treatment is typically performed with devices called "shunts." Shunts are thin, silicone-based tubes that redirect excess fluid accumulated in the brain to another part of the body (usually the abdominal cavity) where it can be absorbed. Since babies with spina bifida are often premature or have low birth weight, they are usually expected to reach a certain weight before shunt placement, which may necessitate prolonged hospital stays.
Particularly in open types of spina bifida, there is a high risk of infection due to the exposure of a part of the nervous system to the external environment. Therefore, taking preventive measures against infections and meticulous hygiene practices are vitally important.
In advanced stages of the disease, especially when nerves have protruded outside the spinal column and are damaged, complete nerve repair may not be fully possible. In such cases, the focus shifts to symptomatic treatments aimed at improving the patient's quality of life. However, in cases of closed forms or early-stage spina bifida, complete treatment may be achieved through surgical intervention.