What has changed in pediatric neurosurgical care in spina bifida? A 30-year UAB/Children’s of Alabama observational overview

Spina bifida (SB) remains the most serious and most common congenital anomaly of the human nervous system that is compatible with life. The open myelomeningocele on the back is perhaps the most obvious initial problem, but the collective impact of dysraphism upon the entirety of the nervous system and innervated organs is an equal or greater longitudinal threat. As such, patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) are best managed in a multi-disciplinary clinic that brings together experienced medical, nursing, and therapy teams that provide high standards of care while studying outcomes and sharing insights and experiences. Since its inception 30 years ago, the spina bifida program at UAB/Children’s of Alabama has remained dedicated to providing exemplary multi-disciplinary care for affected children and their families. During this time, there has been great change in the care landscape, but many of the neurosurgical principles and primary issues have remained the same. In utero myelomeningocele closure (IUMC) has revolutionized initial care and has favorable impact on several important co-morbidities of SB including hydrocephalus, the Chiari II malformation, and the functional level of the neurologic deficit. Hydrocephalus however is not solved by IUMC, and hydrocephalus management remains at the center of neurosurgical care in SB. Ventricular shunts were long the cornerstone of treatment for hydrocephalus, but we came to assess and incorporate endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus coagulation (ETV-CPC). Educated and nurtured by an experienced senior mentor, we dedicated ourselves to fundamental concepts but persistently evaluated our care outcomes and evolved our protocols and paradigms for improvement. Active conversations amidst networks of treasured colleagues were central to this development and growth. While hydrocephalus support and treatment of tethered spinal cord remained our principal neurosurgical charges, we evolved to embrace a holistic perspective and approach that is reflected and captured in the Lifetime Care Plan. Our team engaged actively in important workshops and guideline initiatives and was central to the development and support of the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry. We started and developed an adult SB clinic to support our patients who aged out of pediatric care. Lessons there taught us the importance of a model of transition that emphasized personal responsibility and awareness of health and the crucial role of dedicated support over time. Support for sleep, bowel health, and personal intimate cares are important contributors to overall health and care. This paper details our growth, learning, and evolution of care provision over the past 30 years.