What is involved in Chiari malformation surgery?

Chiari malformation is a type of congenital defect that includes part of the brain responsible for maintaining balance and treatment often involves surgical intervention. The type of Chiari malformation surgery depends on the severity of the defect and on individual symptoms. In some cases, decompression operations are used to remove a small part of the skull or spine. In other situations, the protective cover surrounding the brain and spinal cord is cut and additional tissue can be added to repair the deformity. Any questions or concerns about the most appropriate type of Chiari malformation surgery for an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other doctor. In this procedure, a cut is made on the back of the head and a small part of the skull is removed to reduce the pressure on the spine. In some cases, part of the spine is also removed, depending on the severity of the malformation. At the same time, a separate procedure known as electrocauter can be performed and includes the use of electric currents to destroy the tissue.

During the chiar malformation surgery, the backbone laminatectomy can be performed if the spine known as laminate is needed. This procedure increases the size of the spinal canal to reduce the pressure on the spine and associated nerves. The spinal laminctomy procedure is often performed at the same time as decompression surgery.

Infants and children who have a malformation Chiari have often a congenital defect known as myelomeningocele. In this state, some spine bones do not develop completely, causing part of the spine and the surrounding tissues protrude through the back. Surgery is required to close this unusual opening.

Hydrocephalus, or fluid on the brain, is often present in humans with chiar malformation and requires surgery to reduce the pressure inside the head. This type of chiari malformation surgery most often uses a tube known as a short circuit that drains excess fluid from the brain and empties intochest or abdominal cavity for reabsorption into the body. Another type of hydrocephalon surgery is a small cut into the third chamber of the brain so that the excess fluid can escape.