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Myelomeningocele and spina bifida surgery in Tijuana
A neural tube closure defect in which the spinal cord and its coverings are exposed on a newborn's back. Surgical closure belongs to the first hours of life.
A diagnosis often known before birth
Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida: the spine failed to close during the first weeks of pregnancy, and the cord together with the meninges lies exposed in a sac on the back. It is frequently detected on prenatal ultrasound today, which allows the birth to be planned in a prepared hospital with the team ready.
The level of the defect largely determines functional prognosis: the higher it is, the greater the effect on leg strength and sphincter control. Discussing that with the parents from the start, honestly and without decoration, is part of the treatment.
The closure and what comes after
Surgery is performed within the first hours or days of life and consists of freeing the neural placode, reconstructing it, closing the meninges watertight and covering the defect with muscle and skin. The immediate goal is to prevent infection of the nervous system, the most urgent threat, and to preserve whatever function the child has.
Then the long follow-up begins. A high proportion develop hydrocephalus and need a shunt; Chiari II malformation, tethered cord syndrome as the child grows, urological and orthopaedic function all need watching. It is team treatment — neurosurgery, paediatrics, urology, orthopaedics and rehabilitation — lasting years, not an isolated surgical episode.
What the procedure involves
When it is indicated
- Newborn myelomeningocele
- Meningocele with incomplete skin coverage
- Lipomyelomeningocele and occult dysraphism
- Hydrocephalus associated with a neural tube defect
- Symptomatic tethered cord syndrome in a child or adolescent
- Dermal sinus with risk of nervous system infection
Techniques and resources
- Operating microscope
- Paediatric microsurgical instruments
- Dural closure material
- Neuraxis MRI
- Transfontanellar ultrasound
- Shunt system where required
Frequently asked questions about myelomeningocele repair
To a large extent yes. Folic acid before pregnancy and through the first weeks demonstrably reduces the incidence of neural tube defects. That is why it is recommended to any woman of childbearing age who might become pregnant, not only to those already pregnant.
It depends above all on the level of the defect. Low defects usually allow walking, with or without aids; high defects compromise leg strength more. Rehabilitation and orthopaedics greatly influence the final functional result.
Because myelomeningocele does not end with the closure. Hydrocephalus, Chiari II malformation, tethered cord with growth and urological function all need periodic surveillance, and many of those problems are far better solved when caught early.
Bring your imaging and settle the question
One consultation with your MRI or CT in hand is worth more than ten internet searches. Book by phone or through the form and you will be told what is there, what it means and what your options are.