Spina Bifida Surgery Now Successfully Performed in Bangladesh

Spina bifida is one of the most important congenital abnormalities affecting the spinal cord and spine in newborns and children. In the past, many families in Bangladesh were uncertain about where to seek specialized treatment for complex conditions such as myelomeningocele, meningocele, lipomyelomeningocele and tethered spinal cord.

Today, Spina Bifida Surgery in Bangladesh can be performed under specialized pediatric neurosurgical care, allowing many children to receive assessment, surgical treatment and follow-up within the country.

Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman, a pediatric neurosurgeon in Bangladesh, evaluates and treats children with spina bifida and other congenital spinal abnormalities. His clinical practice includes newborn and pediatric neurosurgical conditions requiring specialized surgical planning and long-term follow-up.

He serves as:

Assistant Professor
Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery
National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital

and

Chief Consultant
Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre (BPNCC)

Chief Consultant
নেফাউর’স নিউরো কেয়ার (NNC)

What Is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida is a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine and structures surrounding the spinal cord do not develop normally during early pregnancy.

The condition can range from mild abnormalities to more complex lesions involving the spinal cord and nerves.

Common forms include:

Spina bifida occulta
Meningocele
Myelomeningocele
Lipomyelomeningocele
Lipomeningocele
Tethered cord syndrome

The severity and treatment depend on the exact form of the condition.

Myelomeningocele – A Major Form of Spina Bifida

Myelomeningocele is one of the most serious forms of spina bifida.

In this condition, part of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues protrude through an opening in the spine.

The lesion may be covered by a thin membrane or may be open and leaking cerebrospinal fluid.

A newborn with an open or ruptured myelomeningocele requires urgent medical assessment because of the risk of:

Infection
Meningitis
CSF leakage
Neurological damage
Weakness of the legs
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Hydrocephalus

Why Early Evaluation Is Important

Early assessment is particularly important in newborn babies with an open spinal lesion.

The pediatric neurosurgical team evaluates:

Size and location of the lesion
Condition of the covering membrane
Presence of CSF leakage
Movement and strength of the legs
Bladder and bowel function
Head circumference
Presence of hydrocephalus
Associated Chiari-related abnormalities
Other congenital conditions

This information helps determine the safest timing and type of treatment.

Spina Bifida Surgery in Bangladesh

The primary objective of surgery is usually to protect exposed neural tissue and reconstruct the spinal defect as safely as possible.

Depending on the type of lesion, surgery may involve:

Careful separation of neural tissue
Repair of the spinal cord coverings
Closure of the dura
Reconstruction of surrounding tissues
Skin closure
Removal or repair of associated sacs
Detethering of the spinal cord when indicated

The surgical strategy depends on the individual anatomy.

Myelomeningocele Repair Surgery

In open myelomeningocele, the spinal cord and nerve roots may be exposed or contained within a fragile sac.

Surgical repair generally aims to:

Protect neural structures
Reduce the risk of infection
Stop CSF leakage
Close the spinal defect
Preserve existing neurological function

The procedure does not necessarily reverse neurological deficits that developed before birth, but timely repair may help prevent additional injury and infection.

Ruptured Myelomeningocele

A ruptured myelomeningocele is particularly concerning because cerebrospinal fluid may leak from the lesion.

This can increase the risk of serious infection.

A newborn with a leaking or ruptured lesion should be assessed urgently by an appropriate pediatric surgical and neurosurgical team.

Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus commonly occurs in association with myelomeningocele.

Parents may notice:

Rapidly increasing head size
Bulging fontanelle
Downward deviation of the eyes
Vomiting
Sleepiness
Poor feeding

The pediatric neurosurgeon may monitor head circumference and perform brain imaging.

Some children eventually require treatment such as:

VP shunt
Endoscopic procedures in selected cases
Other forms of CSF diversion

The decision depends on the child’s clinical and imaging findings.

Chiari II Malformation and Spina Bifida

Children with myelomeningocele may also have Chiari II malformation, in which structures at the back of the brain are positioned abnormally.

Some affected children may develop:

Swallowing difficulty
Breathing problems
Weak cry
Abnormal eye movements
Upper-limb weakness

Not every child requires separate Chiari surgery, but careful clinical monitoring is important.

Lipomyelomeningocele

Lipomyelomeningocele is a closed form of spinal dysraphism in which fatty tissue is associated with the spinal cord.

The overlying skin may appear intact.

Some children develop:

Progressive leg weakness
Foot deformity
Walking problems
Bladder dysfunction
Bowel dysfunction
Back or leg pain
Tethered cord symptoms

Surgical treatment may involve removal of excess fatty tissue and detethering of the spinal cord where clinically indicated.

Tethered Cord Syndrome

In tethered cord syndrome, the spinal cord is abnormally fixed within the spinal canal.

As the child grows, tension may develop on the spinal cord.

Symptoms can include:

Progressive weakness
Walking difficulty
Foot deformity
Back pain
Leg pain
Bladder problems
Bowel dysfunction

Detethering surgery may be recommended when symptoms or progressive neurological changes are present.

How Is Spina Bifida Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may occur before or after birth.

During Pregnancy

Antenatal ultrasonography may identify spinal abnormalities.

Further assessment may include fetal imaging in selected cases.

After Birth

The newborn is examined for:

Visible spinal swelling
Open lesion
CSF leakage
Abnormal skin markings
Leg weakness
Foot deformity
Bladder dysfunction

Imaging may include:

Ultrasound
MRI spine
MRI brain
CT in selected situations

MRI is particularly useful for defining spinal anatomy and associated abnormalities.

Can Spina Bifida Be Treated in Bangladesh?

Yes.

Children with spina bifida can now receive specialized pediatric neurosurgical evaluation and surgical treatment in Bangladesh.

Treatment may include:

Myelomeningocele repair
Meningocele repair
Lipomyelomeningocele surgery
Spinal cord detethering
Hydrocephalus treatment
VP shunt surgery
Management of associated congenital abnormalities

The exact treatment is individualized for each child.

Does Every Child With Spina Bifida Need Surgery?

No.

Treatment depends on the type of spina bifida and whether neurological symptoms are present.

An open myelomeningocele generally requires surgical repair.

Some closed spinal dysraphisms may initially be observed, while others require surgery because of tethering or progressive neurological problems.

Can Surgery Restore Normal Leg Function?

This depends on the degree of spinal cord and nerve involvement.

Surgery can protect neural tissue and prevent some additional complications, but it cannot always reverse nerve damage that developed before birth.

For this reason, parents should receive realistic counseling about expected neurological, bladder and bowel outcomes.

Bladder and Bowel Problems in Spina Bifida

Some children with spina bifida develop neurogenic bladder or bowel dysfunction because the nerves controlling these organs are affected.

They may require follow-up with pediatric urology and rehabilitation teams.

Long-term monitoring is important to protect kidney function and improve quality of life.

Importance of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Surgery is only one part of spina bifida care.

Children may also benefit from:

Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Orthopedic evaluation
Urology follow-up
Developmental assessment
Mobility support

A multidisciplinary approach can help maximize independence and developmental potential.

Why Should Spina Bifida Be Managed by a Pediatric Neurosurgeon?

Spina bifida involves the developing spinal cord, nerve roots and frequently the brain and CSF circulation.

A pediatric neurosurgeon is trained to assess congenital neurological surgical disorders affecting newborns, infants and children.

Important decisions may include:

Timing of myelomeningocele closure
Management of hydrocephalus
Need for VP shunt
Evaluation of tethered spinal cord
Management of Chiari-related symptoms
Long-term neurological follow-up

Why Consider Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman for Spina Bifida Surgery in Bangladesh?

Parents searching for Spina Bifida Surgery in Bangladesh, Myelomeningocele Surgery Bangladesh, Pediatric Neurosurgeon in Bangladesh, Neural Tube Defect Surgery in Dhaka, or Tethered Cord Surgery Bangladesh may consider consultation with Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman for specialist pediatric neurosurgical assessment.

His clinical work includes:

Myelomeningocele
Meningocele
Lipomyelomeningocele
Tethered cord
Hydrocephalus
Encephalocele
Pediatric brain tumors
Pediatric spinal tumors
Craniosynostosis
Congenital brain and spinal disorders
Other complex pediatric neurosurgical conditions

Treatment decisions are individualized according to the child’s age, neurological condition, imaging findings, associated abnormalities and overall health.

No surgical procedure can guarantee a particular neurological outcome, and families should receive clear counseling regarding potential benefits, risks and long-term follow-up.

Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman – Professional Profile

Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman

Assistant Professor
Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery
National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital

Chief Consultant
Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre (BPNCC)

Chief Consultant
নেফাউর’স নিউরো কেয়ার (NNC)

Chamber Address – Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre

Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre (BPNCC)
44/7, City Tower, Level-10
West Panthapath
Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

Google Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/u5BNHKGMr3D3cgUBA?g_st=ac

Chamber Address – নেফাউর’স নিউরো কেয়ার (NNC)

H # 24/1, Level # 7
Shyamoli Square
Shyamoli Cinema Hall Building
Mirpur Road, Shyamoli
Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh

Google Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9NM8HQHS3y9Z3C3eA?g_st=ac

Appointment Numbers

For consultation and appointments:

01816-899489
01336-331818
01912-988182
01607-033535

Social Media Links of Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/NeurosurgeonNafaur

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rahman.nafaur?igsh=MTNzd200emxwaWJycA==

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@pediatricneurosurgeon?_r=1&_t=ZS-95a2vtJMi28

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSlESZh6_NGITtE27rNwTBg

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nafaur-rahman-721b

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spina bifida surgery available in Bangladesh?

Yes. Specialized pediatric neurosurgical treatment for conditions such as myelomeningocele, meningocele, lipomyelomeningocele and tethered cord is available in Bangladesh.

When should myelomeningocele be operated on?

Open or leaking myelomeningocele requires prompt specialist assessment. The timing of surgery depends on the newborn’s clinical condition, infection risk and associated problems.

Can a newborn baby undergo spina bifida surgery?

Yes, newborns can undergo surgical repair when medically indicated. The timing and approach depend on the baby’s stability and the nature of the lesion.

Does spina bifida cause hydrocephalus?

Yes. Hydrocephalus is commonly associated with myelomeningocele and may require separate monitoring or treatment.

Can a child walk normally after spina bifida surgery?

The ability to walk depends largely on the level and severity of spinal cord and nerve involvement. Surgery may prevent additional complications but cannot always reverse pre-existing neurological deficits.

Which doctor should treat spina bifida?

Children with spina bifida should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary pediatric team. When neurosurgical treatment is required, assessment by a pediatric neurosurgeon is important.

Conclusion

Spina Bifida Surgery is now successfully performed in Bangladesh, allowing children with congenital spinal disorders to receive specialized pediatric neurosurgical assessment and treatment closer to home.

Conditions including myelomeningocele, meningocele, lipomyelomeningocele, tethered cord syndrome and hydrocephalus associated with spina bifida can now be evaluated and managed with modern pediatric neurosurgical approaches in Bangladesh.

Early diagnosis and timely specialist assessment are especially important in newborn babies with open or leaking spinal lesions.

Families looking for Spina Bifida Surgery in Bangladesh, Myelomeningocele Surgery in Bangladesh, or an experienced Pediatric Neurosurgeon in Bangladesh may consider consultation with Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman for individualized assessment and treatment planning.

Appointments:
01816-899489 | 01336-331818 | 01912-988182 | 01607-033535

Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information only. Diagnosis, timing of surgery and treatment planning must be individualized after appropriate clinical examination and investigations.