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Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida)

Our long experience with prenatal diagnosis and planning for optimum care allows us to offer the highest quality treatment whether intervention is indicated before or after birth.

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Harrison, the Fetal Treatment Center was the first institution to develop fetal surgery techniques for. The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF over 2 decades ago. We presently have more experience with fetal surgery and endoscopic fetal intervention (FETENDO fetal surgery) than any other institution in the world. We are dedicated to myelomeningocele research and treatment innovation.

What is myelomeningocele?

Myelomeningocele, also referred to as spina bifida, is one of the most devastating birth defects. It is a condition in which there is an opening in the spinal column of the fetus. Most children with this birth defect survive, but they can be left with many disabilities, including paralysis, difficulty with the control of bowel and bladder function, hydrocephalus (excessive fluid in the brain), and mental retardation. The degree to which an infant is impaired usually is related to the location of the spinal defect. The higher the spinal opening occurs on the back, the greater the impairment.

The "MOMS" Trial

We are currently part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored randomized clinical trial to examine the best treatment option for these fetuses---including fetal surgery or care and surgery after birth. We are enthusiastic about working with our colleagues at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the Biostatistics Center at George Washington University in this very carefully designed study. This study will determine what is the best treatment for a fetus with myelomeningocele. We and our colleagues in this trial have agreed to provide all information and updates through the MOMS website, www.spinabifidamoms.com, where you will find an excellent explanation of all aspects of myelomeningocele.