A Closer Look at the Global Management of Spina Bifida: The Implementation of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in the Treatment of Spina Bifida-Related Hydrocephalus in Africa
Spina bifida, specifically myelomeningocele, is a debilitating neural tube defect that affects patients and families throughout the world. Traditional management and treatment methods are described, followed by an explanation of why this is often inadequate in providing care for those in impoverished areas of the world, including many regions of Africa. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is proposed as a promising alternative to traditional methods for treating hydrocephalus, an often associated condition, and the implementation of this treatment method in Africa is explored. In order to relieve Africa of the burden of spina bifida-related hydrocephalus and improve global management of spina bifida, it is imperative that the paucity of neurosurgeons in Africa be addressed and successful models for training be expanded
