Fetal surgery

Fetal surgery is a highly specialized surgical intervention to treat birth defects in fetuses who are still in the prenatal stage. This procedure can be categorized into two types: open fetal surgery and minimally invasive fetoscopic surgery.

Open Fetal Surgery

Open fetal surgery involves a comprehensive surgical procedure performed on the mother and the fetus. In this procedure, the mother's abdomen and uterus are opened, and the fetus is partially removed to allow the surgeon to operate on the fetus. After the surgery, the fetus is returned to the uterus, and the mother's uterus and abdomen are closed.

Minimally Invasive Fetoscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive fetoscopic surgery is a less invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the mother's abdomen. A small camera, or fetoscope, is inserted through one of the incisions to provide a view of the fetus. The surgeon uses long, thin instruments to perform the surgery while watching a video monitor.

Conditions Treated

Fetal surgery is used to treat a variety of congenital anomalies. Some of the conditions that can be treated with fetal surgery include:

• Spina bifida
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
• Sacrococcygeal teratoma
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
• Amniotic band syndrome
• Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation
• Urinary tract obstruction

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, fetal surgery carries potential risks and complications. These can affect both the mother and the fetus. Some of the potential risks and complications include:

• Premature birth
• Infection
• Need for cesarean delivery
• Potential for future pregnancies to be affected

See Also

• Congenital anomalies
• Prenatal diagnosis
• Prenatal surgery
• Pediatric surgery

References

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