Percutaneous fetoscopic patch closure of human spina bifida aperta: advances in fetal surgical techniques may obviate the need for early postnatal neurosurgical intervention

BACKGROUND: A percutaneous minimally invasive fetoscopic approach was attempted for closure of a spina bifida aperta in two fetuses with L5 lesions. The goal was to obviate the need for postnatal neurosurgery to manage this condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: The percutaneous fetoscopic procedures were performed by a two-layer approach at respectively 22+/-2 and 22+/-4 weeks of gestation. The fetuses were delivered respectively at 32+/-6 and 32+3 weeks of gestation. Their neural cords were completely covered although in small areas skin closure was incomplete. Postnatally, complete skin closure occurred beneath an occlusive draping within 2 to 3 weeks such that neurosurgical intervention was not required. Both neonates showed reversal of hindbrain herniation, near-normal leg function, and satisfactory bladder and bowel function. For one of the two fetuses, ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion was not required. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous minimally invasive fetoscopic patch closure of spina bifida aperta offers a substantially less maternal trauma than open fetal surgical repair and currently may even obviate the need for postnatal neurosurgical repair. With a little further improvement in surgical techniques and a better understanding of incorporating surgical patches into the fetus, complete skin closure seems possible in the near future