Measuring Silas's head circumference to monitor his hydrocephalus...
Silas had a surgical procedure called an ETV to treat his hydrocephalus, which had been steadily growing after his back closure (as it usually does in cases of spina bifida).
A successful Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy can restore the body's natural circulation of cerebral-spinal fluid without a shunt. (A shunt -- or VP shunt -- is a silicon tube surgically inserted to drain excess cerebral-spinal fluid from the brain into the body cavity.) Since 86% of shunts fail (usually in their first year) by getting clogged or infected and involve multiple risky surgical revisions, we were eager to pursue an ETV as an alternative. Thankfully, Silas's doctor at Children's Hospital Boston is the leading surgeon for this procedure in the world. (To learn more visit his faculty page: here or see the links from the IFSBH site here or the Nemours site here.)
Silas went into surgery on Friday, November 6, at 7:30 am and returned a few hours later. We are so thankful that his surgery was a success, and he is now being monitored to be sure the procedure will remain successful.
Grandma holding baby Silas after his successful brain surgery. (The blue tube is to help him get enough oxygen while he recovers.) We are so thankful that our son has gone through two major surgeries in his first two weeks of life and has recovered from both wonderfully.
