What is it? 

This is a fairly new intrauterine surgery that has been around since 2016 and replaces the ‘open surgery’ from 2011 that required a sizable incision to the uterus. The surgery is performed between 22-26 weeks of pregnancy to close the opening in the spine of the fetus to significantly lessen spina bifida’s long-term effects.  

This surgery involves a full team of doctors in the OR: OBGYN Specialist, Neonatologist, Neurosurgeon, Primary Surgeon, Anesthesiologists, and I’m sure there are many more that I am forgetting.  

They will first make an incision on mom’s tummy to access the uterus.  They will empty the amnionic fluid and replace with gas. The repair will be done by making tiny incisions in the uterus and inserting three small tubes.  The surgical team will put a camera and surgical tools through these tubes to correct the defect.  This new fetoscopic repair gives children the same benefits as the open repair, but it offers a safer procedure for mom with fewer risks and complications. 

Outcome: Outcomes are usually better for babies who receive prenatal surgery and are delivered close to their due date. The outcome for mom can be the possibility of vaginal birth(s). 

If you are interested in learning more, Google can navigate you now that you know the terminology.