Abstract: Objective To report the experience of nursing during operation on spina bifida and related diseases.Methods 168 patients with spina bifida and related diseases undergoing spine surgery in the hospital from October, 1989 to October, 2008 were reported. They were 76 males and 92 females, the averaged age was 5.6 years old (from 1 month to 23 years old). There were two follow-ups one month and 6 months to 2 years after operation. Results According to the second follow-up, the neural function improved in 123 cases, didn't change in 32 cases, and deteriorated in 13 cases. Nursing experience included: carefully observed the patients, especially managed respiratory tract and blood pressure; prepared good conditions for surgon to protect the neural function; sponge cushion for the pressured positions.Conclusion Perfect preparation of nursing can facilitate spine surgery on spina bifida and related diseases.

Key words: spina bifida, spine, spinal cord, surgery, nursing, cooperation