A newborn baby with myelomeningocele is scheduled for surgical closure within 24 hours. The main reason for surgical repair is to do which of the following?

Explanation

• Surgery for neural-tube disorders is done as soon after birth as possible (usually within 24 to 48 hours) to reduce the risk of infection through the exposed meninges and to prevent further damage to the nervous tissue.

• The neurologic deficit cannot be corrected, but further damage can be prevented.

• Following the repair of the myelomeningocele, children may develop some degree of hydrocephalus, which is managed as well as possible in the postoperative period.

• Seizures may develop during the post-operative period due to hydrocephalus.

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