Fetoscopic spina bifida surgery involves making three holes through which a thin endoscope and two thin instruments are inserted into the patient's uterine cavity. The whole process takes place in a carbon dioxide environment and it is an alternative to the so-called open surgery, which involves opening the uterus, partially removing the fetus from the uterus and operating on its spine.
A patient 25 weeks pregnant and a baby are feeling well. The operation lasted 3.5 hours and was performed by a team composed of: surgeon - Dr Robert Biskupski-Brawura-Samaha, assistants - Dr Michał Lipa, Prof Mirosław Wielgoś.
Spina bifida in a child is a serious, progressive malformation that occurs very early in fetal life. It is a defect in the continuity of the spine, usually in the lumbar or sacral region, resulting in generally irreversible paralysis of the lower limbs and bladder or anal sphincters. The only known way to prevent spina bifida in children is for a woman to take folic acid regularly (ideally 12 weeks before pregnancy and during the first three months of pregnancy). This organic chemical compound in the vitamin B group is estimated to reduce the risk of spina bifida by up to 70%.
The University Center for Women and Newborn Health of the Medical University of Warsaw is the only center in Poland that performs intrauterine surgeries on fetuses with spina bifida using the fetoscopic method. It has been performing them for 4 years and has already performed 26 such operations. The first operation, which took place in 2017, lasted more than 5 hours. Nowadays, thanks to the experience and modern equipment, UCWNH specialists perform it in a much shorter time.