Myelomeningocele Repair

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

Myelomeningocele is a severe form of spina bifida, a congenital disability where the spinal cord doesn't develop properly, resulting in a gap in the spine. Specifically, in myelomeningocele, a sac protrudes through an opening in the spine, containing parts of the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can cause significant neurological issues and is generally diagnosed during pregnancy or immediately after birth. Surgical repair is often necessary shortly after birth to prevent infections and to protect the vulnerable neural elements.

The primary goal of myelomeningocele repair surgery is to close the sac and the opening in the spinal column to restore a more normal structure and function. The procedure involves surgical techniques to place the exposed tissues back into the spinal canal and close the opening with layers of muscle and skin. Specialized care from a multidisciplinary team comprising neonatologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, and anesthesiologists is generally required. The surgery aims to mitigate the risk of infections like meningitis and to preserve existing neurological function, although it cannot reverse any nerve damage or loss of function.

Myelomeningocele repair is a specialized surgery that requires skilled healthcare professionals trained in pediatric neurosurgery. Many countries around the world have specialized centers for treating these congenital conditions, often using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. Parents may seek this surgery due to its urgent necessity and to improve their child's overall prognosis.

Procedure Duration

The actual surgery to repair myelomeningocele typically lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether there are any associated anomalies that need to be addressed. Babies are generally kept in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for close monitoring for a few days post-surgery. Total hospital stay can vary but usually ranges from one to two weeks, depending on the child's condition and how well they are recovering.

Recovery time varies among individual cases but generally includes several weeks of closely monitored care. During this time, parents and caregivers will be educated on how to look for signs of infection or complications. Rehabilitation therapy may be necessary as the child grows to aid motor skills and address potential complications such as hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain).

Because this is a congenital condition, ongoing care from various specialists, including neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists, may be needed throughout the child's life. Parents should be prepared for a long-term commitment to their child's health and well-being.

Benefits

  • Cost Savings: Many countries offer this specialized surgery at a fraction of the cost in Western nations.
  • Expertise: Some overseas hospitals specialize in pediatric neurosurgery, providing a high level of expertise.
  • Advanced Technology: Access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and techniques.
  • Comprehensive Care: Availability of multidisciplinary teams for pre and post-surgical care.

Potential Destinations

  • India: Known for high-quality healthcare services at relatively low costs.
  • Thailand: Renowned for its state-of-the-art medical facilities.
  • Germany: Offers cutting-edge technology and highly skilled medical professionals.
  • Singapore: Known for excellent healthcare infrastructure and highly qualified surgeons.

Risks & Considerations

  • Quality of Care: Ensure the hospital meets international standards.
  • Language Barrier: Be aware of potential communication issues.
  • Travel Logistics: Consider the complexities of traveling with a newborn.
  • Local Laws and Customs: Familiarize yourself with the local regulations that might affect your medical treatment.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

  • Credentials: Look for surgeons who are board-certified or have equivalent qualifications.
  • Experience: Check for the surgeon’s experience in performing myelomeningocele repairs.
  • Hospital Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital has received accreditation from recognized international bodies.
  • Patient Reviews: Look for testimonials or reviews from other international patients.
  • Post-op Support: Make sure the facility offers comprehensive post-operative care and support.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote


Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

Orthopedics Stem Cell

Knee

Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.

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Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.

Ankle

If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.

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Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.

Anti-Aging Stem Cell

Hair Loss

Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.

Facial Anti-Aging

Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.

Fertility Stem Cell

Endometrial PRP

The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.

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The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.

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