Spina Bifida Treatment
Spina bifida, also known as split spine, is one of the most commonly occurring congenital neurological defects. It is usually apparent in the newborn as a result of incomplete development of the spine of the fetus during the initial 28 days of pregnancy, often before the woman knows she’s pregnant. This spinal condition is a type of neural tube defect that can happen at any site of the backbone. There are three main types of Spina bifida: Spina bifida occulta (mildest), meningocele, and myelomeningocele (most severe).
The treatment of Spina Bifida in Hyderabad depends on many factors, including its severity. Arete Hospitals is one of the best in the diagnosis and treatment of Spina bifida. Under its roof, there is a dedicated Spina Bifida Program’s interdisciplinary team including neurologists, nurses, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, urologists, genetic counselors, and social workers. They all focus on providing the best possible care for patients with spina bifida.
There are Spina Bifida Treatments in Hyderabad options available, including prenatal fetal surgery (both open and fetoscopic MMC repair) and postnatal surgery.
Benefits of Prenatal Fetal Surgery Over Postnatal Surgical Repair
Prenatal fetal surgery for the treatment of Spina bifida offers remarkably better outcomes than conventional post-natal repair. It can significantly reduce the effects of Spina bifida by:
- Reducing the need to insert a shunt or special tube into the head of the baby after birth to drain extra fluid as a result of hydrocephalus.
- Improving the child’s neurocognitive function and ability of the child to walk without assistance.
- Making better and reversing the shifting of the brain of the baby into the Spinal canal (Chiari II malformation). This can help potentially reduce long-term or lifelong health issues such as troubled swallowing or breathing, spine curvature (scoliosis), and build-up of fluids in the child’s Spinal cord (syringomyelia).
What is Spina Bifida Surgery?
Spina bifida treatment requires a surgical intervention to close the split spine and prevent further injury to the exposed nerves. The Spina Bifida Surgery in Hyderabad can be performed on the fetus either before the 26th week of pregnancy or on an infant after birth.
Prenatal Fetal Surgery For Spina Bifida
What is Prenatal Fetal Surgery or Fetoscopic Surgery?
The most severe form of Spina bifida called myelomeningocele (MMC) can be prenatally treated through MMC repair surgery. Earlier, open fetal surgery was the only way to repair MMC. Today, with recent surgical advancements, now it’s possible to perform less invasive surgery called fetoscopic MMC repair. This surgery allows the mother to have a vaginal delivery of her child.
One can consult the experts at Arete Hospitals for more information on Fetoscopic Repair of Spina Bifida in Hyderabad. This approach can help reduce the severity of the condition and improve outcomes.
If Prenatal Fetal Surgery is not performed, then Open Spina Bifida Surgery in Hyderabad is performed. It involves surgically closing the opening in the baby's back where the spinal cord and its covering or meninges are exposed.
The Neurosurgeon for Spina Bifida in Hyderabad carefully places the spinal cord and nerves back inside the spinal canal, and the muscles and skin are then closed over the area.
Before Spina Bifida Surgery
For mothers who have chosen prenatal fetal surgery, they need the most professional, carefully coordinated care from the time of diagnosis of spina bifida through the baby’s delivery and aftercare.
Before proceeding with fetal surgery, the mother needs to undergo a thorough physical examination and a complete review of her medical history as well as current intake of medications to obtain clearance for the spina bifida surgery of her fetus. In addition, the mother would need to choose someone as a caregiver at home following surgery.
What Does Surgery Involve?
The mother and the baby both are placed under general anesthesia before the procedure.
During the Open Prenatal Fetal Surgery in Hyderabad, one incision is made in the lower abdomen of the pregnant woman and another is made into the uterus using ultrasound imaging to expose the fetal Spina defect. Once the surgeon gets a view of the baby’s spine, the surgeon removes the sac, if present, and then closes the defect and the surrounding tissues tightly.
For Fetoscopic Prenatal Fetal Surgery in Hyderabad, similar incisions are made for open surgery. Thereafter, the surgeon inserts trocars- a long, thin tube medical device, into the uterus of the mother at the site of a gap in the baby’s spine, guided by ultrasound imaging. Through the trocars, the surgeon inserts surgical instruments including miniature cameras to repair the gap in the baby’s spine. Lastly, watertight closures are made, the tubes are removed, and incisions are sutured.
Postnatal Surgery For Spina Bifida
What is Postnatal Surgery?
In this traditional surgical approach, the baby with spina bifida undergoes surgery after 1-2 days of birth. After the surgery, the baby is shifted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit to receive the needed care.
What Does Surgery Involve?
Spina bifida after birth takes place in the baby who is asleep with the effect of general anesthesia. A pediatric neurosurgeon in Hyderabad removes the myelomeningocele sac, if present, and closes the surrounding tissues and skin over the spinal defect to protect the baby’s spine. The surgical approach is similar to operating a fetus.
Ideal Candidates for Spina Bifida Surgery
Babies with Spina video may be suitable candidates for prenatal fetal surgery if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Mother aged 18 years or older
- Gestational age is between 19-26 weeks at the time of surgery
- Singleton pregnancy
- Normal fetal echocardiogram.
Non-suitable candidates include:
- Mothers suffering from medical concerns that make them unsafe to receive general anesthesia and undergo abdominal surgery
- Mothers with babies experiencing significant medical issues that are not related to myelomeningocele
- Mothers having HIV, Hepatitis C, or active Hepatitis B.
After Discharge
Arete Hospitals, Best Doctors for Spina Bifida Treatment In Hyderabad provide long-term, comprehensive aftercare for infants with Spina bifida, from the time of repair through adolescence. Patients with Spina bifida need to go for a follow-up visit every 4-6 months until they become 2 years old. Thereafter, they need to go for annual follow-ups to ensure that they have stable kidney and bladder functions.
The follow-up care after Spina bifida surgery may include:
- Baseline imaging and detailed neuro-muscular examinations
- Cleaning of intermittent catheters
- Management of bowel functioning
- Management of pressure sore
- Bracing of lower extremity
- Evaluation of physical therapy being provided and guidance to early intervention and outside physical therapists
- Consultations with ophthalmologists, nephrologists, plastic surgeons, and nutrition/feeding specialists
- Referral to appropriate financial and psychosocial resources.
Cost of Spina Bifida Surgery in Hyderabad
The price of Spina bifida surgery depends on various factors, including:
- The surgeon’s expertise and experience
- The type of surgery recommended (prenatal or postnatal)
- The severity of the spine defect
- Age of the patient
- Subsequent care needed
- Length of hospital stay.
There is no maternity insurance policy cover for the cost of Spina bifida surgery. Arete Hospital offers the surgery at the most competitive price.
Effectiveness of Spina Bifida Surgery
Prenatal fetal surgery for spina bifida could significantly improve the rate of placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, hindbrain herniation when the baby is one year old, and independent walking at more than 2 and a half years of age.
Risks or Complications Associated With Spina Bifida Surgery
The potential complications around the time of Spina bifida surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Cerebrospinal fluid leakage from the baby’s spine
- Damage to the baby’s spinal cord
- Difficulty with wound healing
- Tethered spinal cord syndrome (rare, long-term complication).
1. Why Choose Arete Hospitals for Spina Bifida Treatment?
Arete Hospitals, provides exceptional and best Spina bifida treatments due to their multidisciplinary approach, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced medical teams. They offer comprehensive care, including surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. By combining advanced medical techniques with compassionate care, Arete Hospitals stands out as a top choice for effective and holistic spina bifida treatments.
2. Can Spina bifida be diagnosed during pregnancy?
Yes, but not in every case. The tests that can diagnose Spina bifida in the fetus include blood tests during the 16-18th week of pregnancy, sonogram, and amniocentesis.
3. Is it possible to prevent Spina bifida before and during pregnancy?
Some experts believe that some measures can help avoid the occurrence of Spina bifida. This includes taking folic acid every day during the childbearing years. Avoid overheating the body by using saunas or hot tubs. Tell the healthcare provider beforehand if taking any drugs and supplements. Treat any fevers immediately with acet-amino-phen or doctor prescribed medicine. Manage conditions like diabetes or obesity, if having, during pregnancy.
4. When will my baby need to undergo an operation for Spina bifida?
Usually, your 1-2 days old baby will need a surgical repair of the Spina bifida defect.
5. How long will be the hospital stay for my baby after Spina bifida surgery?
If your infant with Spina bifida has undergone prenatal fetal surgery, then typically your infant would need a hospital stay for about a week for observation following birth. But, the length of hospital stay depends upon the gestational age at which your baby was born. However, if your baby has undergone postnatal surgery, a hospital stay typically lasts for 1-3 weeks. Your baby can get a hospital charge when observed feeding normally and easily gaining weight.
Make a visit at Arete Hospitals, to receive the best treatment for Spina Bifida in Children.
