During intrauterine myelomeningocele repair, a fetal
myelomeningocele is closed. This procedure is performed as an attempt to
prevent irreversible neurological damage.
Also
Known As:
- Intrauterine
surgery
- Pregnancy
surgery
- Fetal
myelomeningocele repair
- Open fetal
myelomeningocele repair
- Intrauterine
myelomeningocele closure
Conditions
Treated with Intrauterine Myelomeningocele Repair:
Intrauterine myelomeningocele repair is performed in
cases of a myelomeningocele, which is a neural tube defect characterized by the
spinal canal and vertebrae not forming properly and protruding in a sac from
the back.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
intrauterine myelomeningocele repair. Postnatal myelomeningocele repair is a
surgical alternative.
Anesthesia
with Intrauterine Myelomeningocele Repair:
Intrauterine myelomeningocele repair is performed
under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely
unaware during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Intrauterine Myelomeningocele Repair:
Possible risks to the mother following intrauterine myelomeningocele
repair include wound infection, uterine infection, infertility, amniotic fluid
leak, bleeding, psychological stress and a negative reaction to the anesthesia.
It is also possible to experience premature labor or delivery or to require delivery
by cesarean section. Fetal death and damage to the nerve and spinal cord of the
fetus can also occur.
Prognosis
after Intrauterine Myelomeningocele Repair:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
intrauterine myelomeningocele repair is not well known.