How to treat spina bifida in babies?

The human skeleton is very important. Once there is a problem with the bones, it is necessary to take timely treatment measures to ensure the health of the patient. Especially some babies have spina bifida, which seriously affects the health of the baby. So how to treat spina bifida in babies? Let me introduce it to you below.

1. Indications for surgery

(1) The cyst wall is very thin, the cyst cavity expands rapidly, and it may rupture at any time. If it has already ruptured but there is no infection, surgery should be performed as soon as possible.

(2) If the cyst wall is thick, the mass is not large, and the lower limbs are mobile, surgical treatment can be performed when the infant is older and can tolerate the surgery.

(3) Patients who underwent simple surgical removal of the cyst in infancy but still have urinary and bowel and lower limb dysfunction and whose local skin is still normal should still strive for another surgical treatment.

(4) If the cyst wall has ruptured and infection has occurred, or if severe neurological dysfunction occurs in the early stages, accompanied by hydrocephalus and severe intellectual impairment, surgery is contraindicated.

2. Surgical Method

The general principles of surgery are mass removal, nerve release, spinal canal decompression and return of protruding nerve tissue to the spinal canal, repair of soft tissue defects, and avoidance of persistent traction of nerve tissue that may aggravate symptoms.

In order to better achieve the purpose of spinal canal exploration and decompression, the surgical incision is best designed longitudinally, and the operation should be performed with caution to prevent nerve damage and aggravation of symptoms. During the surgical separation, the surgeon goes along the periphery of the mass directly to the bone edge of the vertebral defect, then removes the vertebral lamina upwards to reach the normal dura mater. The dura mater is cut open and explored downwards. Non-functional scars and tumors are carefully removed based on the bulging tissue. If necessary, the thickened and tightened filum terminale is cut off. Ultimately, the spinal cord and cauda equina are completely loosened, and the dura mater and various layers of tissue are tightly sutured. When the spinal opening cannot be sutured directly, the dorsal fascia should be turned over for repair. The bandage should be tight, and the patient should lie prone or side-lying for 2 to 3 days after the operation and after the removal of the sutures to prevent urine and feces from soaking and contaminating the incision.

The above is my opinion on this issue that I would like to introduce to you. If the child has the above problems, it is necessary to pay attention to taking timely treatment methods for treatment. This will ensure the health of the child and avoid the above-mentioned spina bifida problem affecting the fetus. Finally, I wish the baby a speedy recovery.