Fetal Surgery

Fetal surgery is a highly specialized branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating certain conditions or abnormalities in unborn babies. It typically involves surgical interventions performed on the fetus while still in the mother's womb. The goal is to address or mitigate specific conditions that could significantly impact the baby's health or even be life-threatening if left untreated.

1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:

1. Fetal surgery begins with a thorough evaluation and diagnosis of the condition affecting the baby. This involves comprehensive prenatal testing, such as ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, and genetic testing, to identify the specific condition and assess its severity.

2. Maternal-Fetal Care:

1. Fetal surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a team of specialists including maternal-fetal medicine physicians, pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists. The mother's health and well-being are closely monitored throughout the process to ensure a safe procedure for both the mother and the fetus.

3. Surgical Techniques:

1. Fetal surgery can be performed using various techniques, depending on the specific condition and its location in the fetus. Some common approaches include open fetal surgery and minimally invasive procedures.

2. Open fetal surgery involves making an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus to access the fetus directly. This technique is typically used for conditions that require extensive surgical intervention.

3. Minimally invasive procedures, such as fetoscopic surgery, use small incisions and specialized instruments to access the fetus without the need for a large incision in the uterus. This approach is often employed for conditions that require precise interventions.

4. Postoperative Care and Follow-up:

1. Following fetal surgery, close monitoring of the mother and the fetus is essential to ensure their well-being. The medical team will provide postoperative care instructions and closely monitor the baby's progress through regular prenatal check-ups, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests.