Abstract
A randomized clinical trial comparing fetal or postnatal surgical repair of myelomeningocele demonstrated benefits from fetal surgery including a reduction in shunt insertion rates, improvement in the hindbrain abnormality (Chiari II malformation), and a higher likelihood of ambulation at 30 months of age. Early repair of a myelomeningocele theoretically protects the neural tube many months before the expected delivery date. Open fetal surgery repair requires close monitoring of the mother and fetus during the procedure. Similar to the post-natal repair, fetal repair of a myelomeningocele defect relies on a anatomic closure of the individual anatomic layers, including the neural tube, dura, and skin. Occasionally, the dural and/or skin closure requires augmentation with tissue substitutes. Post-natal management of infants who have undergone fetal repair is generally the same as with those who have had post-natal repair. A balanced discussion of maternal and fetal risks relative to the benefits is essential prior to proceeding with fetal int
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Schmidek and Sweet Operative Neurosurgical Techniques
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
