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Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by
Fetal surgery is a complex medical procedure. It involves operating on a fetus while it’s in the womb. This surgery is usually done for serious conditions that could harm the fetus.
We do in utero operations to fix birth defects. These defects could lead to severe problems if not treated. For example, some conditions can be fixed with fetal surgery. This greatly improves the baby’s chances of being born healthy.
Expectant parents need to know about fetal surgery. By learning about the most common surgeries, we can understand their importance in medicine.
Fetal surgery is a new area in medicine. It gives hope to families with serious prenatal issues. It’s key to know what in utero interventions are and why they’re needed.
In utero intervention, or fetal surgery, is a medical procedure done on a fetus before it’s born. Its main goal is to fix or lessen serious conditions. “In utero interventions allow us to treat certain fetal conditions that would result in significant morbidity or mortality,” says a leading expert in fetal medicine.
We define in utero interventions as surgeries done on the fetus while it’s in the womb. The aim is to improve the baby’s health.
The safety of the mother is always our first concern. We make sure the risks of these procedures are low. We also aim to benefit both the mother and the fetus. Fetal surgery is considered when the fetus’s health or life is at risk if not treated before birth.
Fetal surgery is needed when a prenatal diagnosis shows a serious condition. Conditions like myelomeningocele (spina bifida) and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) might need in utero intervention. The decision to have fetal surgery is made after weighing the risks and benefits, with the mother’s safety first.
The idea of surgery while pregnant can be scary. But thanks to new medical technology and techniques, it’s now safer. “Fetal surgery has become a viable option for families facing complex fetal diagnoses, giving them a chance for better outcomes,” says a specialist.
We keep improving in fetal surgery, committed to top care for our patients. By understanding in utero interventions, we see their vital role in bettering fetal health outcomes.
Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele is a new hope for families. It’s a severe form of spina bifida where the spine and spinal cord don’t form right. This surgery is done before birth to fix the defect.
Spina bifida, like myelomeningocele, greatly affects a person’s life. It can cause problems with movement, thinking, and controlling the bowel and bladder. Knowing about spina bifida helps in managing it better.
Open fetal surgery for myelomeningocele involves a hysterotomy to reach the fetus. It’s a complex procedure that needs a very skilled fetal surgeon. The goal is to fix the spinal defect and prevent more damage.
The results of open fetal surgery for myelomeningocele are encouraging. Studies show less need for shunting and better motor skills. Between 1995 and 2025, over 2,445 fetal surgeries were done at top centers. This shows how important this surgery is. Long-term, it can lead to a better life and fewer spina bifida problems.
TTTS, or Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome, is a serious issue in identical twin pregnancies. It happens when the blood exchange between twins is not balanced. This can lead to problems for both babies.
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome is a serious condition in monochorionic diamniotic (MoDi) twin pregnancies. These twins share a placenta but have their own amniotic sacs. The risk factors include a shared placenta and certain vascular connections.
Identical twin pregnancies with TTTS need close monitoring and quick action. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival chances and reducing complications for both twins.
Laser photocoagulation is a minimally invasive surgery for TTTS. A fetoscopic laser is used to coagulate the blood vessels on the placenta’s surface. This helps balance the blood exchange.
The goal is to separate the circulations of the twins. This surgery is usually done between 16 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. It depends on the condition’s severity and the health of the mother and babies.
The success of laser photocoagulation for TTTS varies. It depends on the condition’s severity and the gestational age at surgery. Studies show it can greatly improve survival rates for both twins.
After surgery, the mother is watched for any complications. The pregnancy is closely monitored with ultrasounds. We stress the importance of post-procedure care for the best outcomes for the mother and twins.
Many fetal surgery procedures are done to fix different birth defects. These surgeries are key to helping babies with these issues.
Sacrococcygeal teratomas are rare tumours at the spine’s base. They can cause high-output cardiac failure in the fetus. Removing these tumours is a complex surgery.
We do this to help the fetus grow and stay healthy.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect where organs move into the chest. This can stunt lung growth. Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion uses a balloon to help the lungs grow.
This surgery aims to improve lung development and survival chances after birth. For more on fetal surgery, check out Mayo Clinic’s page.
Creating shunts is lifesaving for urinary tract obstructions or fluid buildup in the chest or belly. Shunts drain excess fluid and ease pressure on vital organs. The surgery places a shunt between the affected area and the amniotic sac.
Key aspects of these surgeries include:
Understanding these procedures shows how vital fetal surgery is for improving baby health.
Fetal surgery is growing, and so is the need for special centers. These centers need a team of experts. This team includes fetal surgeons, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists.
Comprehensive fetal surgery centers need to meet certain standards. This ensures the best care for patients. Here are some key requirements:
The success of fetal surgery depends on teamwork. Our team creates a custom plan for each patient. This ensures all aspects of care are covered.
The team includes:
Together, we aim for the best outcomes for our patients. Fetal surgery’s complexity requires a team effort. Our team is committed to top-notch care.
Fetal surgery has changed how we treat serious birth defects. It gives hope to fetuses with severe conditions. Places like LivHospital are leading this medical leap forward.
LivHospital is dedicated to top-notch healthcare. They keep improving care for fetuses. Their work shows the bright future of fetal surgery.
The future of fetal surgery is exciting. New techniques and technologies will make it even better. Knowing about these advancements helps us see the possibilities.
Fetal surgery is a medical procedure done on a fetus before birth. It aims to fix or lessen severe conditions that could harm the fetus.
In utero interventions aim to fix severe conditions in the fetus. This improves the fetus’s health and quality of life.
Myelomeningocele, or spina bifida, is a birth defect where the spine and spinal cord don’t form right. Fetal surgery can repair this before birth.
TTTS is a condition in identical twin pregnancies that can cause serious problems. Laser photocoagulation is a surgery used to treat it.
Other procedures include removing sacrococcygeal teratomas and treating congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). They also create bladder and thoracic shunts.
A complete center needs a team of experts, special equipment, and knowledge in fetal surgery. This ensures the best care for patients.
A team of experts is key for successful fetal surgery. They work together to give the best care and outcomes.
No, it’s for specific severe conditions. The decision to have fetal surgery is made after weighing risks and benefits.
Risks include those from the surgery and its effects on the mother and fetus. The mother’s safety is the top priority.
It has grown a lot, thanks to new techniques, technology, and team care. This offers hope for fetuses with complex issues and better outcomes.
The future looks bright, with ongoing research and new advancements. This will lead to better care and more options for patients.
It’s a surgery for spina bifida done while the fetus is in the womb. It aims to improve outcomes and reduce complications.
Yes, fetal surgery is done on a fetus in the womb. It’s usually during pregnancy to address specific conditions.
