Re: Tethered Cord/Lipoma/?

Posted By Heather on May 03, 1999 at 09:46:21
My son was born in December of 97 with a few defects, partially related to the VATER syndrome.  He has imperforate anus, which has been corrected through three surgeries, cross-fused kidneys, and what was suspected to be a tethered spinal cord.  Through a series of MRI's, this diagnosis was changed to a lipoma, then to a fatty tissue deposit at the base of the spine.  My first question is what the name of the fatty tissue deposit is - his neurosurgeon mentioned it at our appt last Friday, but I didn't get it written down.  The doctor also told me that he will most likely have to have surgery to separate the tissue, so that the nerves won't be damaged as he gets older and more active.  My second question is this - how long before the damage starts to be incurred?  My son is already extremely active - walking, running, climbing.  Do we need to have this surgery done quickly to prevent damage?  His doctor has recommended that we have a uro-dynamics study done in June to check bladder function.  Then another MRI in September and we'll go from there.  Is this the standard practice?  I just want to make sure that waiting is not going to cause any permanent damage.  Also, what is the prognosis after a surgery such as this?  Sorry this post is so long.  I was kind of in shock at the appt, not expecting to hear about surgery, and did not ask enough questions.  By the way, my son's doctor is Hugh O'Donnell, at AI Dupont Hospital for Children.
Thank you in advance for your reply and advice.   Heather.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD RPS]

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on May 04, 1999 at 08:40:29
Dear Heather:
I am very pleased to hear that your son seems to be doing so well.  That is great.  It sounds like your son is functioning very well with his lower extremities.  I think I would agree with the neurosurgeon's suggestion of watching and repeating the MRI in september.  Most surgeons will wait for awhile even for a tethered cord.  So, even though it sounds like one ought to operate sooner than later, I would suggest you follow the advice of the neurosurgeon.  It is good news that it is only a fat deposit.  Lipomas, although benign do grow, albeit slowing.  How is your son's anal function? I hope that his urodynamic test will be fine.  It is good that you are trying to stay on top of things.  Keep it up, your son is very lucky.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD










Follow Ups:


Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? Heather 5/04/1999
(8)

Re: Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 5/04/1999
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Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? Kelli D'Addetta 5/19/1999
(6)

Re: Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 5/20/1999
(5)

Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? Elizabeth 6/03/1999
(4)

Re: Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 6/07/1999
(3)

Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? Christine R. 7/25/1999
(0)


Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? Matthew 7/11/1999
(1)

Re: Tethered Cord/Lipoma/? CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 7/11/1999
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