2006 - Nemours

Malcolm Can Live Shunt-freeThanks to Alternative SurgeryOne of the most anticipated moments for a family is the birth ofa child. That was true for Delaware parents Malcolm and Lonja.When their first son was born, they were thrilled. But they were alsoconcerned: Malcolm III was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.His doctors recommended he visit the neurosurgery team atNemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.Hydrocephalus is a surprisingly common problem, with approximately one child in 500 born with the condition.The preferred treatment is to insert a shunt to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain.In the first few days of Malcolm’s life, the neurosurgery team led by Jeffery Campbell, MD, inserteda shunt. Unfortunately, Malcolm developed complications from the shunt’s failure. Two monthslater the shunt was replaced.Then, only a few months later, the family discovered the second shunt failed. Malcolm’sparents were told not to give up hope. Benjamin Warf, MD, one of the most renownedneurosurgeons in the world, was joining Nemours at the Alfred I. duPont Hospitalin July.Dr. Warf had developed an alternative surgery eliminating the need fora shunt. His work had a high success rate for children with spina bifidaand hydrocephalus, just like Malcolm. This minimally invasive treatmentcombines endoscopic third ventriculostomy, which allows the fluid toexit the ventricles, and choroid plexus cauterization, which reducesthe production of the fluid.Malcolm had the successful surgery in September. His parents areoverjoyed knowing he can live shunt-free with a decreased chance ofrecurring surgeries. They consider it a miracle that Dr. Warf joined theNemours team just when Malcolm needed it most.Healthy and happy, Malcolm is doing exceptionally well and exceedshis developmental milestones. “Everyone at Nemours made us feellike they had my son’s best interest at heart,” said Lonja. “There isno college or medical school that can teach a doctor how to carefrom the heart.” ■16 2006 Nemours Annual Report