Video: UAE doctors perform rare life-saving surgery on fetus – News

A multidisciplinary team of doctors successfully performed a complex intrauterine procedure in three hours

Following the miraculous survival of four children from the Colombian Amazon jungle, this is the inspiring journey of a pregnant woman from the capital, Bogota, who flew more than 13,500 kilometers to deliver a life-changing fetus at a Colombian hospital Surgery Abu Dhabi.

Earlier this year, Liz Valentina Parra Rodriguez and Jason Mateo Moreno Gutierrez were devastated when they learned that an ultrasound scan taken during their 20-week pregnancy revealed a rare form of spina bifida — a defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord are not formed. Shock incorrectly, resulting in permanent disability. This condition usually results in permanent loss of bowel and bladder control, paralysis, or muscle weakness in both lower extremities.

“We were devastated after our routine scan showed that our baby’s spinal cord was not forming properly. We also discussed the option of terminating the pregnancy with us, but we believe in miracles and that life is a gift from God. Our doctor advised us the best The common practice is to have spina bifida repair done before the baby is born,” the couple said.

Complex fetal surgery – Intrauterine repair, performed between 19-25 weeks of gestation to repair spinal defects and improve outcomes. The average incidence of spina bifida worldwide is one in a thousand.

Fortunately for the couple, their hospital in Colombia has a network of partnerships with Abu Dhabi’s Burjer Medical City (BMC), where the Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine and Treatment Center also has experienced specialists and advanced technology.

Their doctors informed them that BMC was ready for critical surgery. Additionally, Liz is sponsored by the Columbia Foundation in partnership with BMC. In an influential cross-border collaboration, doctors from both hospitals discussed the case, and BMC management immediately flew the couple in using a special quota for UAE medical visas. “We traveled to Abu Dhabi hoping to give our children the best possible life,” the couple said.

A multidisciplinary team of doctors has successfully performed a complex in utero operation to treat meningocele – a rare form of spina bifida – in three hours.

“This is one of the most complex fetal treatment procedures performed by our center team. Fetal surgery is not a cure, but an important procedure to improve and positively impact the baby’s life in the womb,” Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics Consultant and Women and Dr Mandeep Singh, CEO of children’s division Burjeel Farha in Burjeel, told Khaleej Times.

This is the first intrauterine spina bifida repair procedure at BMC and Kypros Nicolaides Center for Fetal Medicine and Treatment and contributes to the emirate’s medical tourism programme. In addition to Dr. Singh, the team included visiting physicians Dr. Mauricio Herrera, Dr. Rajasekhar Cingapagu (specialist in pediatric surgery), Dr. Essam Elgamal (consultant in neurosurgery), Dr. Ramamurthy Baskaran (consultant in anesthesiology and transplant anesthesia), Dr. Ahmed Omran ( Anesthesia Consultant) and Dr. Iviano Ossuetta, Consultant and Director of Neonatology and specially trained operating room staff.

During fetal repair surgery, Dr. Singh explained, a small incision is made in the uterus, exposing the baby’s back and allowing neurosurgeons to close the spina bifida defect.

“We use a synthetic patch to cover the defect. The amniotic fluid is then returned to the cavity and the uterus is closed. The baby will remain in the uterus for the remainder of the pregnancy and will be delivered by C-section at 37 weeks’ gestation,” Dr. Singh said. pointed out.

Patient Liz, 25, is in stable condition and is due to deliver at BMC in August. After birth, an expert team of neonatologists, pediatric urologists, pediatric orthopedics, and a rehabilitation team will examine the baby and create a plan of care.

Liz is now relieved after her new surgery and excited about becoming a mother for the first time.

“Honestly, I was terrified of the operation. The day before (the operation) I was terrified. But the medical team supported me throughout the journey. They took care of me. I know we are safe. I thank the doctors, the hospital and Abu Dhabi Than allowed us to receive this treatment and give our children a new chance in life,” Liz added.

According to Dr. Singh, the surgery could have a major impact on the child’s life after birth.

“In utero repair of spina bifida reduces loss of limb motor function and improves outcomes. After delivery, babies need follow up and, in some cases, may need physical therapy and all other medical evaluations to ensure their health, ’ said Dr Singh.

If left untreated, babies born with spina bifida are at risk for a range of complications, from orthopedic problems to problems with bladder and bowel control, depending on the severity of the condition.

Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine and Treatment Center is equipped to seamlessly perform this type of high risk maternal and delivery care. It has a large network of fetal medicine centers in Asia, Africa and South America that regularly collaborate and perform such procedures.

“Burjeel Medical City’s long-term rehabilitation, neurosurgery, orthopedic and other complex care services provide timely support to infants and families in the region,” added Dr. Singh.