Here are six insights:
1. Spina bifida is a birth defect in which a baby’s spinal cord fails to develop properly in-utero.
2. The procedure is only being performed at Texas Children’s Hospital.
3. Michael Belfort, obstetrician and gynecologist-in-chief at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, said it’s important for people to know that the program is still an experimental one.
4. In a particular patient’s case, the lower part of the spine had not closed and is open to the amniotic fluid, which can damage the spinal nerves that control the legs, along with bowel and bladder functions.
5. In fetoscopic surgery, surgeons are able to cover the lower spine with a membrane to protect it from further exposure to amniotic fluid.
6. The first baby of the experiment patient just turned one year old and already has the use of his legs.
More articles on spine:
The Caribbean Spine and Research Institute introduces new facilities in San Juan: 5 things to know
University of Minnesota receives grant for spinal cord injury therapy research: 5 things to know
Florida attorneys publish article on spinal surgery: 5 highlights
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