Fetal Surgery

Abstract

Fetal surgery is an established but still rapidly evolving specialty, born from the rationale that destructive embryologic processes, recognized early in gestation, can be curtailed by prenatal correction. As more and more centers begin offering fetal interventions, quality of care must be verified through transparency about clinical capabilities and resources. Level designations should be assigned based on capability, as in trauma and neonatal ICU centers for excellence, and volume requirements must be set for fetal surgery certification. Regionalization of this specialty care may be required to optimize outcomes.

Keywords: Fetal hydrops; Fetal lobectomy for CPAM; Fetal myelomeningocele repair; Fetal surgery; Fetal tumor debulking; Tracheal occlusion; Vesicoamniotic shunt.