Fetal Myelomeningocele Repair
If your baby is diagnosed with myelomeningocele, I may discuss fetal surgery as a treatment option. Since its introduction in 2011, fetal repair has transformed the care
of babies with spina bifida by reducing many of the long-term complications associated with the condition. If you are a suitable candidate, I will carefully evaluate you and your baby, explain the benefits and potential risks, and guide you through every step of the decision-making process so you can make the choice that is right for your family.
Fetal surgery is typically performed between 19 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. During the procedure, a specialized multidisciplinary team carefully opens the uterus to access your baby, repairs the spinal defect, and protects the exposed spinal cord with a specialized waterproof covering to minimize further injury from the amniotic fluid. Once the repair is complete, I will closely monitor both you and your baby throughout your recovery. You’ll usually stay in the hospital for four to five days, followed by weekly clinic visits and ultrasound examinations to ensure that your pregnancy continues safely until delivery.