Fetal Surgery Takes Huge Step Forward in Treating Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a birth defect affecting roughly 1500 children every year that is caused by incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube, leaving some vertebrae unfused and open. Sometimes the spinal cord will actual poke through the bones. Although this issue can be resolved via surgery after birth, it does not restore spinal cord function to the damaged area. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has determined that fetal surgery (surgery conducted in the womb) greatly improves mobility and chances that the child will be able to walk. The percent of children who needed a shunt in the brain was reduced from 83% to 40% with the surgery. Although it is not a cure, it offers hope to families of children with the disease.

I found this article to be interesting because I am fascinated by medicine and, in particular, surgery. It is amazing that surgery can be conducted before a child is even born and have such profound effects!

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110209175755.htm