Maternal-fetal Surgery Research Articles

"I don't have a telephone to the fetus": Clinicians' conceptions of fetal patienthood in maternal-fetal surgery counseling

RationaleMaternal fetal surgery (MFS) has developed rapidly since the 1960s and centers for fetal diagnosis and therapy (CFDT) have proliferated. As a result, CFDT clinicians have intervened with fetuses through pregnant bodies for decades, yet the patienthood status of the fetus and its implications for the pregnant person's autonomy have been relatively unexamined. ObjectiveOur overall research aims were threefold: (1) to explore how clinicians train for and provide counseling for MFS; (2) to examine how clinicians assess fetal patienthood and its implications; and (3) to understand clinicians’ professed needs and their recommendations for education and training for the provision of MFS counseling. This focuses on aim two. MethodIn this qualitative study, conducted using in-depth interviews, we examined how 20 clinicians from 17 different sites understood fetal patienthood, how that affected their counseling of pregnant patients, and whether they drew on extant ethical frameworks for guidelines. ResultsWe identified three major themes: 1) Clinicians entered fetal surgery consultations with assumptions about fetal patienthood (frequently informed by beliefs about fetal viability, maternal attachment, and disciplinary perspectives); 2) they consciously assessed their pregnant patients' connections to their fetus to inform or re-calibrate their own understandings of fetal patienthood; and 3) they used a threshold -based conceptualization whereby the fetus achieved patienthood after crossing a symbolic boundary, often related to the clinician's ability to intervene. ConclusionsFew clinicians invoked an extant ethical framework to determine fetal patienthood; most asserted that they did not view directive counseling toward MFS as appropriate, instead working diligently to protect pregnant patients’ autonomy and rights to self-determination.

“We All Want to Be Able to Tell You Something Hopeful”: Clinicians’ Experiences Providing Maternal-Fetal Surgery Counseling

Introduction: Prenatal counseling about maternal-fetal surgery can be traumatic and confusing for pregnant people. It can also be technically and emotionally complex for clinicians. As maternal-fetal surgery rapidly advances and becomes more common, more evidence is needed to inform counseling practices. The objective of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of the methods clinicians currently use to train for and provide counseling, as well as their needs and recommendations for future education and training. Methods: We used interpretive description methods and interviewed interprofessional clinicians who regularly counsel pregnant people about maternal-fetal surgery. Results: We conducted 20 interviews with participants from 17 different sites who were maternal-fetal medicine specialists (30%), pediatric surgeons (30%), nurses (15%), social workers (10%), a genetic counselor (5%), a neonatologist (5%), and a pediatric subspecialist (5%). Most were female (70%), non-Hispanic white (90%), and practiced in the Midwest (50%). We identified four overarching themes: (1) contextualizing maternal-fetal surgery counseling; (2) establishing shared understanding; (3) supporting decision-making; and (4) training for maternal-fetal surgery counseling. Within these themes, we identified key practice differences among professions, specialties, institutions, and regions. Conclusion: Participants are committed to practicing informative and supportive counseling to empower pregnant people to make autonomous decisions about maternal-fetal surgery. Nevertheless, our findings indicate a dearth of evidence-based communication practices and guidance. Participants identified significant systemic limitations affecting pregnant people’s decision-making options related to maternal-fetal surgery.

Subsequent fertility, pregnancy, and gynaecological and psychological outcomes after maternal-fetal surgery for open spina bifida: A prospective cohort study.

To determine the medium-term maternal impact of open fetal spina bifida repair. Prospective cohort study. University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. Mothers who had open maternal-fetal spina bifida repair between March 2012 and December 2021. A patient-reported survey on subsequent fertility, pregnancy, and gynaecological and psychological outcomes. Complications during subsequent pregnancies, and gynaecological and psychological problems. Seventy-two out of 100 invited women completed the questionnaire (72%). Despite being advised not to, seven of 13 women attempting to conceive became pregnant within 2 years after fetal surgery and one woman delivered vaginally. Two of the 16 subsequent pregnancies were complicated by an open neural tube defect. One pregnancy was complicated by a placenta accreta and one pregnancy was complicated by a uterine rupture, both with good neonatal outcomes. Nearly half of respondents who did not attempt to conceive reported that this was because of their experience of the index pregnancy and caring for the index child. Three out of four respondents reported medium-term psychological problems, mostly anxiety for the health of the index child, fear for recurrence in subsequent pregnancies and feelings of guilt. Open maternal-fetal surgery for spina bifida did not appear to affect fertility in our cohort. Half of the attempts to conceive took place within 2 years. One uterine rupture and one placenta accreta occurred in 16 subsequent pregnancies. Most respondents reported psychological problems linked to the index pregnancy, which reinforces the need for long-term psychological support.

Fetal Care Nursing—The Birth of a Specialty

With the rapid growth of specialized fetal care centers (FCCs) across the United States, a new area of nursing practice has emerged. Fetal care nurses provide care in FCCs to pregnant persons experiencing complex fetal conditions. This article describes the unique practice of fetal care nurses necessitated by the complexity of perinatal care and the provision of maternal–fetal surgery in FCCs. The Fetal Therapy Nurse Network has played a significant role in the evolution of this nursing practice and will serve as a platform for the generation of core competencies and the development of a potential specialty certification for fetal care nurses.

Laparoscopic repair of uterine dehiscence after open maternal-fetal surgery

A healthy 27-year old G3P3 was referred for preconception advice 3 years after she underwent open fetal myelomeningocele closure. In her previous pregnancy, she had a posterofundal hysterotomy at 25+2 weeks of gestation for fetal myelomeningocele closure. The uterus was then closed in a single full-thickness layer, incorporating the membranes and decidua, with an additional running locked suture to relieve tension on the scar. She had an uncomplicated pregnancy with a scheduled lower uterine segment transverse cesarean delivery at 36+3 weeks’ gestation. At the time of cesarean delivery, the hysterotomy scar from her fetal surgery appeared intact and was not revised.

Assessment of quality of life for affected women singleton pregnancies in Iraq and the diagnosis of pregnancy complications

Uterine rupture occurs when the integrity of the uterine wall is lost. The most common risk factor is having had previous uterine surgery, such as a caesarean section. Uterine rupture is not very frequent, but it is a complication of pregnancy or childbirth that in more serious cases (complete or catastrophic uterine rupture) can cause death of both mother and fetus. Objective: This paper aims to study the assessment of quality of life for affected women singleton pregnancies in Iraq and the diagnosis of pregnancy complications. Patients and Methods: In this study, a descriptive cross-sectional study was applied to study assessment of quality of life for affected women singleton pregnancies in Iraq and the diagnosis of pregnancy complications from 4th July 2021 to 11th June 2022. Data were collected for 90 patients different hospitals in Iraq, where the patients were divided into two groups, the first group of patients, which included women singleton pregnancies patient which included (50), and the second group, control group, which include (40) patients. A statistical study was conducted for women singleton pregnancies patient using the SPSS program. Results and Discussion: Uterine rupture occurs when the uterus ruptures because of pressure during pregnancy, labor or delivery. The uterus can rupture in some or all of its layers, compromising the oxygen supply to the fetus and causing severe bleeding in the mother. Also, Uterine rupture occurs most frequently along the scar line in women who have had previous caesarean sections. Other predisposing factors include congenital uterine abnormalities, trauma and other surgical procedures, and other surgical procedures such as myomectomy or open maternal-fetal surgery where This study relied on the Apgar score distribution of women singleton pregnancies patient, where it was divided into two types of degree and Apgar 5 min < 5 and contained 15 with 30% for the group of women singleton pregnancies patient, but the control group included 27 with 67.5% while Apgar 1 min < 5 was 35 and 70% for the singleton pregnancies patient group and 13, which represented 32.5% with the total number of cases. Conclusion: The incidence of uterine rupture is increasing due to the increase in vaginal deliveries after previous cesarean sections. Our study concludes that the control group was more successful and superior to singleton pregnancies patient group, as a result of what the results of the study showed in evaluating the patients' quality of life as well as the complications affecting both groups.

On the Cutting Edge

Abstract Myelomeningocele is a complex medical diagnosis that, when discovered prenatally, allows for the option of maternal–fetal surgery aimed at improving long-term outcomes. Significant advancements have been made in prenatal myelomeningocele surgical techniques that reduce morbidity and mortality for the pregnant person and their child. The pathway to prenatal surgery consists of in-depth obstetric and fetal assessment partnered with intense family education and counseling. Fetal care centers provide specialized care of families undergoing assessment, diagnosis, and prenatal and postnatal treatment of spina bifida. The counseling process in a fetal care center is unique, comprehensive, and directed to ensure families receive multidisciplinary care and support that is individualized to their specific needs and concerns.

Parent Decision-Making With Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele

IntroductionThe objectives of this study were to understand how parents made the decision to do maternal–fetal surgery for myelomeningocele and to determine the influence of the shared decision-making model on their choice.MethodThis is a qualitative study of parents in a fetal care center after fetal surgery. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Analysis was completed using iterative code development, and thematic saturation was reached.ResultsRapid decision making, often before seeing fetal care professionals, was present, parental agency drove the decision for surgery, exposure to other parents via the Internet was key to reducing uncertainty and increasing hope for the future, positive interactions with the healthcare team played a role in parental choice for surgery, and mothers were surprised by unanticipated pain and discomfort following surgery.DiscussionTenets of shared decision making, such as patients feeling supported by their healthcare professionals, were present. Results learned from this study could be used to tailor interactions with parents seeking fetal surgery.

Percutaneous/mini-laparotomy fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida: a novel surgical technique

Open spina bifida is the most common congenital anomaly of the central nervous system compatible with life. Prenatal repair of open spina bifida via open maternal-fetal surgery has been shown to improve postnatal neurologic outcomes, including reducing the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting and improving lower neuromotor function. Fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida minimizes the maternal risks while providing similar neurosurgical outcomes to the fetus. The following 2 fetoscopic techniques are currently in use: (1) the laparotomy-assisted approach, and (2) the percutaneous approach. The laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic technique appears to be associated with a lesser risk of preterm birth than the percutaneous approach. However, the percutaneous approach avoids laparotomy and uterine exteriorization and is associated with lesser anesthesia risk and improved maternal postsurgical recovery. The purpose of this article was to describe our experience with a modified surgical approach, which we call percutaneous/mini-laparotomy fetoscopy, in which access to the uterus for one of the ports is done via a mini-laparotomy, whereas the other ports are inserted percutaneously. This technique draws on the benefits of both the laparotomy-assisted and the percutaneous techniques while minimizing their drawbacks. This surgical approach may prove invaluable in the prenatal repair of open spina bifida and other complex fetal surgical procedures.

Sociodemographic disparities as a determinant of fetal versus postnatal surgical myelomeningocele repair.

Relatively few women undergo open maternal-fetal surgery (OMFS) for myelomeningocele (MMC) despite the potential to reverse hindbrain herniation, reduce the rate of infant shunt-dependent hydrocephalus, and improve ambulation. These benefits have the potential to significantly reduce morbidity and lifetime medical care. In this study, the authors examined demographics and socioeconomic variables of women who were offered and opted for OMFS for MMC versus postnatal MMC surgery, with the purpose of identifying variables driving the disparity between these two patient populations. This was a retrospective case-control study of patients who underwent evaluation for OMFS for MMC at a single academic hospital from 2015 to 2020. Race/ethnicity, primary insurance type, zip code, and BMI were collected and compared by treatment received and eligibility status for OMFS. Prevalence odds ratios were used to test for associations between each independent variable and the two outcomes. Logistical regression models were utilized to determine significant predictors of undergoing OMFS and being eligible for OMFS. Of 96 women, 36 underwent OMFS for MMC, 40 received postnatal repair, and 20 either terminated the pregnancy or received care at another institution. Overall, 66 (68.8%) women were White, 14 (14.6%) were Black, 13 (13.5%) were Hispanic/Latinx, 1 (1.0%) was Asian, and 2 (2.1%) identified as other or multiple races. Among women who underwent OMFS for MMC, 27 (75.0%) were White, 2 (5.6%) were Black, 4 (11.1%) were Hispanic/Latinx, 1 (2.8%) was Asian, and 2 (5.6%) identified as other or multiple races. Having private insurance or TRICARE was associated with higher odds of being eligible for OMFS compared with women who were uninsured or had Medicaid when accounting for race and income (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.51-9.59). The population evaluated and treated for MMC was homogeneous and insufficiently representative of the population affected by the disease. This finding raises concern, as it suggests underlying barriers to formal evaluation for OMFS for MMC. Insurance status and BMI have a significant association between the access to and election of OMFS, revealing socioeconomic disparities. This was the first study to explore sociodemographic characteristics of patient populations who may be at risk for limited access to highly specialized fetal surgical care.

Ethical considerations of maternal-fetal surgery.

The practice of maternal-fetal surgery (MFS) has expanded from lethal fetal conditions to conditions which are significantly disabling but not a lethal fetal abnormality. The inclusion of myelomeningocele within the scope of MFS in the 1990s sparked a renewed debate over the ethics of MFS. While demonstrating increasing efficacy and range of application, MFS continues to be ethically fraught due to the inherent tension between maternal and fetal interests. Ethical issues central to MFS include the patienthood of the fetus; the balance of risks and benefits between the woman and fetus; informed consent for experimental procedures; and determination of conditions that meet ethical qualifications for MFS intervention. These concerns are likely to persist and evolve as perinatal medicine continues to advance. Here we summarize the current state of MFS ethics, highlighting the major positions in the literature thus far as well as examine future directions. It is essential robust discussions of these important issues continue both to ensure ethical medical practice and to provide support to clinicians, pregnant women, and their families.

Placental Location in Maternal-Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele

Introduction: Uterine incision based on the placental location in open maternal-fetal surgery (OMFS) has never been evaluated in regard to maternal or fetal outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether an anterior placenta was associated with increased rates of intraoperative, perioperative, antepartum, obstetric, or neonatal complications in mothers and babies who underwent OMFS for fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) closure. Methods: Data from the international multicenter prospective registry of patients who underwent OMFS for fMMC closure (fMMC Consortium Registry, December 15, 2010–June 31, 2019) was used to compare fetal and maternal outcomes between anterior and posterior placental locations. Results: The placental location for 623 patients was evenly distributed between anterior (51%) and posterior (49%) locations. Intraoperative fetal bradycardia (8.3% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.005) and performance of fetal resuscitation (3.6% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.034) occurred more frequently in cases with an anterior placenta when compared to those with a posterior placenta. Obstetric outcomes including membrane separation, placental abruption, and spontaneous rupture of membranes were not different among the 2 groups. However, thinning of the hysterotomy site (27.7% vs. 17.7%, p = 0.008) occurred more frequently in cases of an anterior placenta. Gestational age (GA) at delivery (p = 0.583) and length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (p = 0.655) were similar between the 2 groups. Fetal incision dehiscence and wound revision were not significantly different between groups. Critical clinical outcomes including fetal demise, perinatal death, and neonatal death were all infrequent occurrences and not associated with the placental location. Conclusions: An anterior placental location is associated with increased risk of intraoperative fetal resuscitation and increased thinning at the hysterotomy closure site. Individual institutional experiences may have varied, but the aggregate data from the fMMC Consortium did not show a significant impact on the GA at delivery or maternal or fetal clinical outcomes.

Ethics in prenatal consultation for surgically correctable anomalies and fetal intervention

Pediatric surgeons play an essential role in prenatal consultation for congenital anomalies likely to require surgery in the newborn period. The involvement of pediatric surgeons during multi-disciplinary prenatal meetings has been an important part of the evolution of comprehensive fetal care, characterized by detailed prenatal evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and planned perinatal and post-natal care. Advances in fetal diagnostics and treatments, as well as complex postnatal medical care and decision-making create a broad range of care options for pregnant women with fetal surgical anomalies. Ethical challenges involve the availability and risks/benefits of maternal-fetal surgery, and diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty for the newborn. Clinical scenarios illustrate cases that pediatric surgeons may encounter in practice, with discussions highlighting the ethical principles involved as well as considerations for management.

Narrative Inquiry Into Nursing Care of Pregnant Women and Families in Specialized Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Settings

ObjectiveTo examine how nurses describe caring for women and families in specialized fetal diagnosis and treatment settings. DesignWe used narrative inquiry. SettingA secure online survey platform. ParticipantsWe recruited 26 nurses from the Fetal Therapy Nurse Network as a subsample from a prior Delphi study on the essential structures, processes, outcomes, and challenges of nursing practice in the emerging field of fetal diagnosis and treatment. MethodsWe used narrative inquiry and Clandinin’s three-dimensional space narrative analysis to interpret the stories provided by participants to illustrate their practice and the relationship between their practice and care quality and health outcomes. ResultsParticipants described three primary types of fetal diagnoses and management scenarios: prenatal intervention (maternal–fetal surgery to treat a fetal anomaly), postnatal intervention (neonatal surgery), and perinatal palliative care (continuation of a pregnancy after a life-limiting fetal diagnosis). We identified three overarching themes related to nursing processes: A Sounding Board: Counseling the Pregnant Woman and Family, A Care Coordinator: Orchestrating a Complex Journey, and A Constant Presence: Being With the Pregnant Woman and Family. We also identified specific outcomes related to nursing care. ConclusionWe used narrative inquiry to expand on prior research and advance the conceptualization of a model of nursing practice in fetal diagnosis and treatment settings. Our results provide a basis to begin to test theories that connect nursing practice to care quality and outcomes in clinical practice settings. To comprehensively evaluate and enhance care as it evolves and expands, the immediate and long-term effects of nursing practice must be identified.

'We did everything we could'- a qualitative study exploring the acceptability of maternal-fetal surgery for spina bifida to parents.

ObjectiveTo explore the concepts and strategies parents employ when considering maternal-fetal surgery (MFS) as an option for the management of spina bifida (SB) in their fetus, and how this determines the acceptability of the intervention.MethodsA two-centre interview study enrolling parents whose fetuses with SB were eligible for MFS. To assess differences in acceptability, parents opting for MFS (n = 24) were interviewed at three different moments in time: prior to the intervention, directly after the intervention and 3-6 months after birth. Parents opting for termination of pregnancy (n = 5) were interviewed only once. Themes were identified and organised in line with the framework of acceptability.ResultsTo parents opting for MFS, the intervention was perceived as an opportunity that needed to be taken. Feelings of parental responsibility drove them to do anything in their power to improve their future child’s situation. Expectations seemed to be realistic yet were driven by hope for the best outcome. None expressed decisional regret at any stage, despite substantial impact and, at times, disappointing outcomes. For the small group of participants, who decided to opt for termination of pregnancy (TOP), MFS was not perceived as an intervention that substantially could improve the quality of their future child’s life.ConclusionProspective parents opting for MFS were driven by their feelings of parental responsibility. They recognise the fetus as their future child and value information and care focusing on optimising the child’s future health. In the small group of parents opting for TOP, MFS was felt to offer insufficient certainty of substantial improvement in quality of life and the perceived severe impact of SB drove their decision to end the pregnancy.

Modern fetal surgery-a historical review of the happenings that shaped modern fetal surgery and its practices.

The history of fetal surgery is one of constant evolution. Over the last 50 years, fetal surgery has progressed from a mere idea to an internationally respected innovative field of surgery. This article aims to provide a historical review of how the enterprise of maternal-fetal surgery came to be its modern version. This review is less focused on the history of specific therapies for a relatively small number of conditions, and more on how the whole field of maternal-fetal surgery evolved. The various internal and external influences that steered the field’s evolution are discussed in chronologic order. Since the start of modern fetal surgery in the 1980s, large paradigm shifts have characterized the growth of the field as a whole. Innovative interventions are now based on physiologic manipulation as opposed to simple anatomic repair, fetoscopy has become the more frequently preferred surgical approach, and rigorous scientific evaluation with randomized controlled trials is now the standard expected by the community. In a very similar fashion to when the field first began in the early 1980s, recently community’s leaders have risen to protect the integrity of maternal-fetal surgery by publishing ethical guidelines for innovation and clinical practice. This incredible history of innovation, rigorous science and ethical contemplation is the foundation on which modern maternal-fetal surgery rests.

Fetoscopic myelomeningocoele closure: Is the scientific evidence enough to challenge the gold standard for prenatal surgery?

Since the completion of the Management of Myelomeningocoele Study, maternal‐fetal surgery for spina bifida has become a valid option for expecting parents. More recently, multiple groups are exploring a minimally invasive approach and recent outcomes have addressed many of the initial concerns with this approach. Based on a previously published framework, we attempt to delineate the developmental stage of the surgical techniques. Furthermore, we discuss the barriers of performing randomized controlled trials comparing two surgical interventions and suggest that data collection through registries is an alternative method to gather high‐grade evidence.

Fetal surgery for spina bifida in Zurich: results from 150 cases.

Over the past 10years, over 150 fetal spina bifida surgeries were performed at the Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy. This study looks at surrogates for success and failure of this approach. We focused on key outcome parameters including hydrocephalus shunt rate at one year, bladder control at 4, independent ambulation at 3years, and maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. From the first 150 patients undergoing fetal surgery for spina bifida, 148 (98.7%) were included in the study. Maternal-fetal surgery was uneventful in 143/148 (97%) cases. Intraoperative problems included resuscitation in 4/148 fetuses (2.7%). 1/148 fetuses (0.7%) died on postoperative day 4. Maternal complications included chorioamniotic membrane separation in 22/148 (15%), lung embolism in 3/148 (2.1%), chorioamnionitis in 2/148 (1.4%), AV-block III and uterine rupture in 1/148 each (0.7%). 1/148 (0.7%) newborn death was recorded. Hindbrain herniation was identified preoperatively in 132/148 (90%) fetuses and resolved completely in 119/132 (90%). At one year, 39/106 (37%) children had required a CSF diversion. At 4years, 4/34 patients (12%) had normal bladder control. At 3years, 48/57 (84%) walked independently. A majority of patients benefitted from prenatal intervention, in that the shunt rate was lower and the rates of continent and walking patients were higher than reported with postnatal care.

A well-orchestrated EXIT strategy: A case of a successful ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure for cystic hygroma

A fetal neck mass such as cystic hygroma imposes a challenge in the continuing prenatal care and birth strategy for a 26-year-old gravida 2 para 1 (1001) with a scarred uterus from previous low transverse cesarean section (CS). An intricate delivery for the fetus with a potential airway obstruction necessitates an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) delivery. The patient was initially scheduled to undergo the procedure at 38 weeks of gestation, but preterm labor ensued. Close antenatal monitoring was done which carried the pregnancy to term. The multidisciplinary approach and planning requires consensus among varied specialties as this maternal–fetal surgery differs immensely from a regular CS. This aims to document and discuss the preoperative, operative and postoperative management done for this patient. The EXIT procedure was performed at 38 weeks' age of gestation with good maternal outcomes. The fetus was delivered safely.

Open Fetal Surgical Outcomes for Myelomeningocele Closure Stratified by Maternal Body Mass Index in a Large Single-Center Cohort

Background: Open maternal-fetal surgery for in utero closure of myelomeningocele (MMC) has become an accepted treatment option for prenatally diagnosed open neural tube defects. Historically, this option has been limited to women with BMI < 35 due to concern for increasing complications in patients with obesity. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal, obstetric, and fetal/neonatal outcomes stratified by maternal BMI classification in women who undergo open maternal-fetal surgery for fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) closure. Methods: A single-center fMMC closure registry was queried for maternal demographics, preoperative factors, fetal surgery outcomes, delivery outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. Data were stratified based on maternal BMI: <30, 30–34.99, and ≥35–40, corresponding to normal weight/overweight, obesity class I, and obesity class II. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software SAS v.9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Results: A total of 264 patients were analyzed, including 196 (74.2%) with BMI <30, 54 (20.5%) with BMI 30–34.99, and 14 (5.3%) with BMI ≥ 35–40. Maternal demographics and preoperative characteristics were similar among the groups. Operative time increased with increasing BMI; otherwise, perioperative outcomes were similar among the groups. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were similar among the groups. Conclusion: Increasing maternal BMI did not result in a negative impact on maternal, obstetric, and fetal/neonatal outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing open maternal-fetal surgery for fMMC closure. Further study is warranted to determine the generalizability of these results.