Advances in Fetal Surgical Repair of Open Spina Bifida

Abstract

Spina bifida remains a common congenital anomaly of the central nervous system despite national fortification of foods with folic acid, with a prevalence of 2–4 per 10,000 live births. Prenatal screening for the early detection of this condition provides patients with the opportunity to consider various management options during pregnancy. Prenatal repair of open spina bifida, traditionally performed by the open maternal–fetal surgical approach through hysterotomy, has been shown to improve outcomes for the child, including decreased need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery and improved lower neuromotor function. However, the open maternal–fetal surgical approach is associated with relatively increased risk for the patient and the overall pregnancy, as well as future pregnancies. Recent advances in minimally invasive prenatal repair of open spina bifida through fetoscopy have shown similar benefits for the child but relatively improved outcomes for the pregnant patient and future childbearing.

In Brief

Advances in the prenatal diagnosis and treatment of open spina bifida, including the evolution of fetoscopic repair, are allowing for improved outcomes.