Understanding Fetal Surgery: Essential Information
A pregnancy that is classified as “high-risk” frequently entails additional monitoring, possibly more frequent checkups, or particular treatments. In the worst situations, physicians can suggest fetal surgery, which involves operating on the unborn child while it is still within the womb. Fetal surgery may be a lifesaver for some diseases, despite the dramatic sound. This gentle tutorial will explain what it is, how frequently it occurs, and five things you may not be aware of.
Fetal Surgery: What Is It?
Any procedure done on a baby prior to delivery is referred to as fetal surgery. There are three primary methods:
- In open fetal surgery, the mother’s abdomen and uterus are cut, the surgeon reaches in softly, and the issue is fixed.
- Fetoscopic surgery: A tiny camera, known as a fetoscope, is inserted through a tiny incision into the uterus. No large incision is required; the surgeon utilises specialised instruments while watching on a screen.
- EXIT procedures: These involve partially removing the baby’s head or chest during delivery while keeping it linked to the placenta. While medical professionals protect the airway or attend to other urgent matters, this maintains the flow of oxygen.
How Frequently Does It Occur?
Surgery on a fetus is still quite uncommon. It calls for experts, advanced technology, and a medical staff skilled in both fetal and maternal care. The official Fetal Therapy Network has less than 50 centres across North America, but as methods advance, the number is increasing.
Five Things You Might Not Be Aware Of
- Neonatal surgery is not the same as this
After the infant is born, neonatal surgery is performed. The baby undergoes fetal surgery while still inside the womb, sometimes at a point when it would be difficult for it to survive outside.
- It has existed for many years
In 1981, the first open fetal surgery was performed successfully. A small tube was put into a baby’s obstructed bladder by a California specialist. A month ahead of schedule, the baby was born healthily and with a twin.
- The results continue to improve
Fetal surgical survival rates have increased from about 60% fifteen years ago to 80–90% today, largely because of improved imaging, sophisticated instruments, and improved methods.
- It only addresses a few conditions
Doctors save fetal surgery for certain issues because the stakes are high (for both mother and child), such as:
- A gap in the spine is called spina bifida.
- Identical twins with unequal blood flow are said to have twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
- A hole in the diaphragm, or congenital diaphragmatic hernia
How much time does it take, and how long does recovery take?
Open surgeries may take longer than basic fetoscopic procedures, such as EXIT, which can take two to three hours.
The extent of the surgery also affects the length of stay in the hospital. A woman may stay in the hospital for five to seven days following open surgery (with strict monitoring for 48 hours). You could return home in a day or two for less intrusive treatments.
What Are the Risks?
There are risks associated with any operation, but operating on a developing fetus adds even more complications. Among the potential issues are:
- For Mom: blood clots, infection, bleeding, or issues with the placenta or uterus.
- For the baby: premature labour, miscarriage, or insufficient problem-solving.
Nonetheless, fetal surgery can greatly increase a baby’s chances of survival and quality of life if it is performed at proper facility.
Do You Need Fetal Surgery?
Fetal surgery is a very personal decision. Together with your healthcare team, which includes surgeons, neonatologists, genetic counsellors, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, you will weigh:
- The baby’s condition’s severity
- Your personal well-being and the duration of your pregnancy
- The possible advantages against the hazards