Fetal surgery for myelomeningocele: panacea or peril?

World J Surg. 2003 Jan;27(1):87-94. doi: 10.1007/s00268-002-6742-5.

Abstract

Myelomeningocele affects thousands of children worldwide with devastating consequences. In an effort to improve neurologic outcome, fetal surgery has been performed for myelomeningocele for the past 5 years. Sensorimotor function is not appreciably improved, although there may be a reduction in hindbrain herniation and a decreased need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting. The long-term clinical consequences of these findings are not clear. What is clear, however, is that further study in the form of a prospective, randomized trial is mandatory.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / surgery
  • Brain Diseases / surgery
  • Fetal Diseases / surgery*
  • Fetus / surgery*
  • Hernia
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Meningomyelocele / complications
  • Meningomyelocele / diagnosis
  • Meningomyelocele / physiopathology
  • Meningomyelocele / surgery*
  • Rhombencephalon
  • Urinary Bladder / physiopathology