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Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele
Shinjiro Hirose1, Diana L Farmer
1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA. hiroses@surgery.ucsf.edu
Abstract:
Fetal intervention for myelomeningocele (MMC) may improve hydrocephalus and hindbrain herniation associated with the Arnold-Chiari II malformation and may reduce the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting. As of now, there is little evidence that prenatal repair of MMC improves neurologic function. MMC is the first nonlethal disease under consideration and study for fetal surgery. As a result, potential improvements in outcome must be balanced with maternal safety and well-being, in addition to that of the unborn patient.
