[Current problems of the treatment of spina bifida aperta].

Experience in the treatment of 311 children with spina bifida aperta is generalized. The authors emphasize the hazard of infectious complications, which were the cause of death of 26.3% of children who were operated on 2 days after birth and before epithelization of the meningeal cavity. Internal hydrocephalus is congenital and linked etiopathogenetically with the Arnold-Chiari malformation. Treatment of internal hydrocephalus consists in ventriculoatrial and ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Spinal draining operations are not recommended. Postoperative mortality in spina bifida aperta has reduced to 3% in the recent years.