Open fetal surgery for spina bifida

• Mark A. Kurtser
• Prityko A.G.
• Spiridonova E.I.
• Zvereva A.V.
• Sokolovskaya Yu.V.
• Petraki V.L.
• Asadov R.N.
• Polyakova O.V.
• Abolits M.A.
• Kutakova Yu.Yu.

Abstract

Spina bifida (split spine) is the most common congenital malformation of the central nervous system, in which an incomplete closure of the vertebral canal and hindbrain herniation and type II Arnold-Chiari malformation is observed. The most clinically significant and frequent form is meningomyelocele, when herniation with involvement of pia and spinal cord tissue is formed. As a result, the nervous tissue directly contacts the amniotic fluid, leading to its intrauterine degeneration and neurological deficit formation in terms of level of lesion. Incidence of congenital malformation of the central nervous system is 1 per 1500 births. Spina bifida significantly affects the quality of life in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Until recently, the only way to treat was post-natal surgical correction, including brain shunting. Intrauterine closure of the defect reduces need for shunting and improves neurological outcomes.

Keywords:meningomyelocele, fetal surgery, spina bifida

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