Pediatric neurosurgeon Jason Chu, MD, along with fetal surgeon Hiba Mustafa, MD, of Indianapolis-based Riley Children’s Hospital, performed the state’s first fetal spine surgery, NPR affiliate WFYI reported July 24.
The duo’s surgery addressed myelomeningocele, a condition that has better outcomes if surgeons operate while the fetus in inside the womb.
Dr. Chu and Dr. Mustafa used highly specialized methods and smaller tools for the procedure, the report said. They operated through an incision half the standard size.
After Dr. Mustafa made the incision, Dr. Chu operated on the nerves protruding from the fetal spine.
“My role is to help free up and protect those nerves that didn’t form, as well get them back into a more normal space within the body, and then help get them covered up as best as possible,” Dr. Chu said.
Riley Children’s is one of a few hospitals nationwide that offer this surgery.
