Pediatric Neurosurgery (Hydrocephalus, Tumors)
Introduction
Pediatric neurosurgery is an area within surgery that deals with the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions that affect children, such as hydrocephalus and brain tumors. These symptomatologies demand sophisticated medical treatment to preserve normal brain function and maturation. Pediatric neurosurgeons apply the latest technology to manage these conditions, enhancing the lives of children.
What is Pediatric Neurosurgery?
Pediatric neurosurgery is a subset of medicine that provides surgical management for pathologies affecting the brain, spinal cord and nervous systems in pediatrics. It also describes how to treat congenital malformations, traumatic lesions and neoplasms. Pediatric neurosurgery and brain tumors are two of the most prevalent neurological diseases that necessitate pediatric neurosurgical intervention.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a clinical condition in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is quantitatively abnormal, the ventricles accumulate abnormally, and the corresponding brain intracranial pressure exceeds normal levels. You can acquire this disorder or it can be congenital, and if you do not treat it, it leads to developmental delays, visual impairments, and neurological abnormalities.
Pediatric Brain Tumors
Brain tumors in children can be benign or malignant. Invasive abnormal cell growth in the brain causes these brain tumors and may impair any neurological activity. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention play significant roles in improved outcomes.
Why is Pediatric Neurosurgery Needed?
Pediatric neurosurgery is necessary for several reasons:
- To relieve increased intracranial pressure caused by hydrocephalus
- To obliterate or shrink brain tumors with neurological consequences.
- To prevent developmental delays and improve cognitive abilities
- To restore normal CSF flow in hydrocephalus cases
- For improvement of quality of life and prevention of life-threatening complications.
Types of Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Hydrocephalus Surgery
- Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Placement: A catheter is introduced to drain the CSF excess into the peritoneum.
- Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV): A very small surgical entry to make a new route of liquid drainage for CSF.
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Craniotomy: Excision of a portion of the skull to expose and also excise the tumor.
- Stereotactic Surgery: A precise, minimally invasive procedure to target small tumors.
- Endoscopic Surgery: Reaches into the body using a miniaturized camera and tools to excise a tumor in the least invasive way.
Procedure Steps
- Preoperative Evaluation: Different imaging tests [e.g., MRI, CT scans] are carried out to detect the disease.
- Anesthesia Administration: The child is given general anesthesia before surgery.
- Surgical Intervention: Depending on the condition, either a VP shunt is placed, a tumor is removed, or an endoscopic procedure is performed.
- Post-Surgical Monitoring: The child is closely watched for complications and a recovery plan is carried out.
- Rehabilitation & Follow-up: Full recovery requires physical therapy, speech therapy and routine visits.
Benefits of Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Restores normal brain function
- Prevents complications associated with hydrocephalus
- Improves cognitive and motor development
- Increases survival rates for pediatric brain tumor patients
- Enhances overall quality of life for affected children
Cost of Pediatric Neurosurgery
- USA: $50,000-$100,000.
- UK: $40,000 – $80,000
- India: $3,000 – $15,000
- Turkey: $10,000 – $25,000
Best Hospitals in India for Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Metro Hospital Faridabad
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Risks and Complications
- Infection at the surgical site
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Brain swelling or increased intracranial pressure
- Nerve damage leading to motor or cognitive impairments
- Risks associated with general anesthesia
- Shunt malfunction (for hydrocephalus cases)
Recovery
- Initial hospital stay: 5-10 days
- Full recovery: 6 weeks to several months
- Physical therapy may be required for motor skill improvement
- Regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor brain function.
