Reflections upon the intrauterine repair of myelomeningocele

Childs Nerv Syst. 2024 May;40(5):1571-1575. doi: 10.1007/s00381-024-06365-0. Epub 2024 Mar 22.

Abstract

The intrauterine repair of myelomeningocele presents certain advantages and has gained widespread acceptance. It significantly reduces the incidence of Chiari-2 anomalies and hydrocephalus, and it is thought to enhance the neurologic outcome. Nevertheless, several issues remain unsettled and there are no negligible disadvantages. After working with patients with myelomeningocele for 30 years, I thought about how we currently treat them. There are ethical, organizational, neurological, obstetrical, and postnatal aspects worth discussing.

Keywords: Multidisciplinary management; Myelomeningocele; Pediatric; Postnatal surgery; Prenatal surgery; Spinal dysraphism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation* / complications
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus* / surgery
  • Incidence
  • Meningomyelocele* / surgery