As your fetal surgeon, I am committed to offering you the most advanced treatment options available for complex fetal conditions. One of the most exciting developments in fetal therapy is prenatal (in-utero) repair of gastroschisis, an investigational procedure designed to protect your baby’s intestines from the continuous exposure to amniotic fluid, which can cause inflammation, thickening, and long-term bowel dysfunction. Unlike conventional treatment performed after birth, this minimally invasive fetoscopic procedure is carried out while your baby is still in the womb—typically between 20 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. During the operation, the herniated bowel is carefully returned into the fetal abdomen, and the abdominal wall defect is closed. In selected investigational protocols, botulinum toxin (BTX-A) may be administered several weeks before surgery to relax the fetal abdominal muscles, allowing the abdominal cavity to gradually expand and safely accommodate the returning intestines.
I am honored to have been part of the Barcelona fetal surgery team that successfully performed this groundbreaking procedure in January 2026, marking what we regarded as the first successful prenatal fetoscopic repair of gastroschisis in Europe. Being involved in this milestone reflects my commitment to bringing the latest innovations in fetal therapy to families seeking the highest level of prenatal care. If you or your baby are diagnosed with gastroschisis, I will personally guide you through every step of the evaluation process, discuss whether fetal intervention may be appropriate, and help you make informed decisions based on the most current evidence and the expertise of an experienced multidisciplinary fetal surgery team.