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Meningocele repair

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Meningocele repair

Definition:

A meningocele is when the meninges (membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain) and cerebrospinal fluid bulge beneath the skin. Meningocele repair is surgery to drain the cerebrospinal fluid and repair birth defects of the spine and spinal membranes. It is used to treat the conditions listed below:

• Spina bifida: a birth defect involving an abnormal opening of the spinal area.
• Spina bifida occulta: a common abnormality of spinal bones that usually does not have symptoms, but is sometimes associated with conditions that can require surgery.
• Meningocele: a birth defect in the bones of the spine that involves a swelling in the meninges, but no abnormality of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Myelomeningocele : a birth defect in the bones of the spine with swelling of the meninges and abnormality of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Alternative Names:
Spina bifida repair; Myelomeningocele repair; Myelomeningocele closure

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Description:

For both meningoceles and myelomeningoceles, surgery consists of putting the spinal cord or nerve roots in their normal place and protecting them by closing the overlying meninges and skin.

A myelomeningocele should be closed within 24 hours of birth to prevent infection. A shunt is usually required to drain excess fluid. If the baby has fluid build-up in the brain, a shunt is usually put in when the myelomeningocele is repaired. Otherwise, most neurosurgeons wait about 3 days to place a shunt.

Indications:

Surgery is recommended if a meningocele or meningomyelocele is present.

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