A lipomyelomeningocele is a birth defect that affects the backbone of children and occurs as a non-cancerous fatty mass that attaches to the spinal cord. Due to increased pressure exerted on the spinal cord, a lipomyelomeningocele may cause symptoms such as weakness and numbness of the legs, trouble walking, back pain, changes in bladder and bowel control, among others.
Surgical excision of lipomyelomeningocele involves removing the lipoma from its attachment to the spinal cord as safely as possible, and then closing the membranes over the spinal cord (thecal sac reconstruction).
The surgery aims to prevent the future deterioration of neurological function while preserving or improving the current function. Baby Mounika Kontu from Telangana successfully underwent Surgical Excision of Lipomyelomeningocele and Thecal Sac Reconstruction at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. K S Kiran, Consultant Neurosurgeon.