Surgeons repair spinal defect on baby in the womb

Surgeons at King’s College Hospital in London have carried out repairs on the spine of a baby with spina bifida while it was still in the womb for the first time in the UK. The neurosurgical team, led by consultant Bassel Zebian, used ultrasound to guide the operation on Sherrie Sharp, who was in the 27^th week of her pregnancy. Sherrie gave birth to her son, Jaxson, on 20^th April, after 33 weeks of pregnancy and he is continuing to recover well.

Spina bifida is a developmental condition in which the spine does not form properly in the womb, leaving the spinal-cord exposed and vulnerable to damage, which can lead to leg paralysis and problems with bladder and bowel control. Previously. Women carrying babies with spina bifida have had two options: surgical repair of the hole in the baby’s back following birth, or an invasive procedure involving an incision across the width of the abdomen to repair the defect. This major surgery carries considerable risks to both the woman and the baby. Keyhole surgery is less traumatic for both patients, particularly in terms of damage to the baby's nerves, and recovery should therefore be quicker and easier.