Fetal Surgery Research

In the next few days we research fetal surgery. It seems our best option. I mean if you think about it, nerves are being damaged because they are exposed to amniotic fluid. Wouldn't you want to stop that as soon as possible? It definitely seems the most logical choice to us.
 

"Thirty years ago, the first human fetal surgery was performed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Now, a randomized controlled trial has proven definitively that fetal surgery can help certain patients before birth. Babies who undergo an operation to repair the birth defect spina bifida while still in the womb develop better and experience fewer neurologic complications than babies who have corrective surgery after birth, according to findings from a major multicenter trial led by UCSF researchers. The study is the first to systematically evaluate the best treatment for myelomeningocele, the most serious form of spina bifida, in which the bones of the spine do not fully form. The eight-year trial, which was stopped early because results were so positive, shows that prenatal surgery greatly reduces the need to divert fluid away from the brain; improves mental development and motor function; and increases the likelihood that a child will one day walk unassisted. This is the first time a randomized clinical trial has clearly demonstrated that surgery before birth can improve the outcome for patients."

But there are many tests to do and we have to meet criteria to "qualify" for the surgery. Since I am going on 21 weeks we need to get this going ASAP. The time frame window closes at 26 weeks! So we decided we want to go to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. The Fetal Center is one of only three fetal surgery centers in the United States with the expertise to perform the full range of fetal surgical interventions, including open fetal surgery. They have performed more than 1,459 fetal surgical procedures. It is also the closest to our house and will be easier for people to visit. You can see it by going to the Fetal Care Center at www.cincinnatichildrens.org. After deciding, we called our genetic counselor and had her send over all my information to get the process started. We also scheduled my amniocentesis. I am not gonna lie I am pretty terrified of a needle being stuck into my belly!