Surgical problems in the fetus: a multidisciplinary approach

Over a 2 year period, 90 cases of potential fetal pathologic conditions were presented to a multidisciplinary fetal board. Members, including persons from perinatology, neonatology, genetics, radiology, pathology, pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, and urology, met monthly to discuss new referrals, follow-up ongoing cases, and present findings and treatment in delivered cases. Of 90 referred cases, 76 surgical diagnoses occurred in 71 fetuses (79 percent), with central nervous system and genitourinary anomalies predominating. A formal presentation during a single meeting with the variety of specialists necessary to manage surgical problems in the fetus facilitated perinatal management and allowed for the appropriate specialist to counsel the parents as early as possible.