Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital has expanded its use of minimally invasive fetoscopic surgery to repair spina bifida before birth.
The procedure entails making three small uterine incisions and using a camera and tools to repair the fetus’s spine, potentially enabling vaginal delivery and reducing future pregnancy complications, according to a Feb. 9 news release.
Surgeons at the Grant Scott Bonham Fetal Center, a collaboration with University of Utah Health, performed their first fetoscopic spina bifida repair in May 2025 and eight since, exceeding the facility’s previous two-year total using the open method.
Spina bifida affects approximately 70,000 to 166,000 babies annually in the U.S, according to the release. In-utero repair may improve mobility, brain function and reduce developmental delays.
The program is part of Intermountain’s “Primary Promise” campaign, which has raised more than $642 million for pediatric care.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
