An overview of Fetal surgery
Fetal surgery is a medical procedure performed on an unborn baby (fetus) in the uterus (in utero) to address specific birth defects and improve long-term outcomes for the child. Fetal surgery is typically conducted by a team of experts who specialize in treating and managing various birth defects before birth.
What is Fetal surgery used for?
Fetal surgery is a procedure performed on an unborn baby (fetus) in the uterus (in utero) to help improve the long-term outcome of children with specific birth defects. It is done by a team of experts to treat and improve conditions before birth. Fetal surgery can be used to address various birth defects, including amniotic band syndrome, bronchopulmonary sequestration of the lung, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS), fetal anemia, lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO), mediastinal teratoma, neck mass, sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT), spina bifida (myelomeningocele), twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS), twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence, and twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). When performed by fetal surgery experts in select babies, this early intervention can have better results than surgery after delivery, potentially leading to improved outcomes and less disability for the child.
How is Fetal surgery conducted?
Fetal surgery is a complex medical procedure performed on an unborn baby to address specific birth defects. It is typically conducted by a team of experts who specialize in fetal surgery. The types of fetal surgery methods include:
- Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) for severe CDH
- In utero open or fetoscopic repair of myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida
- Open fetal surgery for SCT resection
- Open fetal surgery to remove CCAM of the lung
- Shunt placements
- Fetal vesicoamniotic shunt (VAS) and fetal cystoscopy for bladder obstruction
- Fetoscopic laser ablation for TTTS and TAPS
- Bipolar cord coagulation for TRAP sequence
- Radiofrequency ablation for fetal tumors
- Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT)
- Fetal cardiac intervention
- Intrauterine blood transfusion
- Serial amnioinfusions for bilateral renal agenesis and complex renal diseases These procedures are tailored to the specific condition of the unborn baby and are performed at highly specialized health care centers with fetal surgery expertise. Risks and potential complications should be discussed with a healthcare professional before proceeding with fetal surgery.
How are Fetal surgery results reported?
Fetal surgery results are typically reported based on the specific condition being treated and the success of the procedure in improving the long-term outcomes for the child. The results are usually evaluated by measuring the effectiveness of the intervention in addressing the birth defect and preventing further complications. In some cases, fetal surgery results can lead to better outcomes than surgery after delivery, particularly for conditions such as spina bifida. Early intervention through fetal surgery can result in less disability and improved quality of life for the child. It is important to note that while fetal surgery can offer significant benefits, it also carries potential risks and complications. These risks include uterine rupture, fetal death, operative complications, early labor, and potential failure to treat the birth defect. Consult with your healthcare provider and the fetal surgery team to understand the specific outcomes and risks associated with fetal surgery for your particular case.
Understanding the report
Fetal surgery results are interpreted based on the specific goal and outcome of the procedure. The success of fetal surgery is determined by how well it improves or resolves the condition in question. For example, in cases of spina bifida, the goal may be to prevent or minimize the extent of nerve damage, which can significantly impact the child's long-term disability. In these cases, successful fetal surgery can lead to better outcomes, such as less neurological impairment, improved mobility, and better quality of life.
However, interpreting the results of fetal surgery can be complex and may involve a variety of factors, including the type of birth defect being treated, the stage of fetal development at the time of the procedure, and the expertise and experience of the fetal surgery team. Close monitoring and postoperative follow-up are crucial to assess the long-term effects and determine the success of the procedure.
It's important to note that fetal surgery is a highly specialized and complex field, and the interpretation of results should be done by a team of experienced healthcare professionals. They can provide the most accurate assessment based on the individual case and help families make informed decisions about the care of their child.