Pre-natal Versus Post-natal Surgical Intervention on Outcomes of Spina Bifida Neonates
Advisor(s)
Jamie Hunsicker, DNP, RN
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; McIntosh Activities Room
Start Date
21-4-2023 11:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2023 11:50 AM
Abstract
Abstract
Problem: Spina bifida is a birth defect characterized by the failure of the neural tube to fuse and develop properly while in the womb. This malformation can have devastating effects on the life of the infant if not treated properly. Numerous surgical interventions are available to correct the open sacs on the spinal cord.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to research how infants diagnosed with spina bifida progress physiologically, neurologically, and with their bowel and bladder development based on the type of intervention and how early it is performed. The study evaluates fetal repair surgery versus post birth surgery.
Methods: A mixed-methods, cohort study design will be used. The study will involve participants diagnosed with spina bifida who elect to undergo either prenatal repair or postnatal repair. Physiological outcomes, neurological outcomes, and bowel and bladder elimination will be compared at different age stages. A survey will collect information from the patients to compare the effectiveness of the two surgical options.
Conclusion: Fetal repair has been found to have more positive outcomes for spina bifida patients. Repairing the spinal malformation early in the infant’s development prevents secondary complications from occurring. As a result, the patients can develop more normally and be more independent.
Recommended Citation
Neff, Lexi, "Pre-natal Versus Post-natal Surgical Intervention on Outcomes of Spina Bifida Neonates" (2023). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 14.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2023/posters/14
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Pre-natal Versus Post-natal Surgical Intervention on Outcomes of Spina Bifida Neonates
ONU McIntosh Center; McIntosh Activities Room
Abstract
Problem: Spina bifida is a birth defect characterized by the failure of the neural tube to fuse and develop properly while in the womb. This malformation can have devastating effects on the life of the infant if not treated properly. Numerous surgical interventions are available to correct the open sacs on the spinal cord.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to research how infants diagnosed with spina bifida progress physiologically, neurologically, and with their bowel and bladder development based on the type of intervention and how early it is performed. The study evaluates fetal repair surgery versus post birth surgery.
Methods: A mixed-methods, cohort study design will be used. The study will involve participants diagnosed with spina bifida who elect to undergo either prenatal repair or postnatal repair. Physiological outcomes, neurological outcomes, and bowel and bladder elimination will be compared at different age stages. A survey will collect information from the patients to compare the effectiveness of the two surgical options.
Conclusion: Fetal repair has been found to have more positive outcomes for spina bifida patients. Repairing the spinal malformation early in the infant’s development prevents secondary complications from occurring. As a result, the patients can develop more normally and be more independent.