SKMC Successfully Conducts Fetoscopic Surgery To Repair Spina Bifida In 25-Week-Old Foetus

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by SEHA, a PureHealth subsidiary, recently completed a challenging fetoscopic surgery to correct spina bifida. This was part of the Visiting Physicians Programme initiated by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. The intricate procedure, which took 90 minutes, was performed on a foetus at 25 weeks gestation and weighing 800 grams.

The operation underscores Abu Dhabi's status as a global leader in healthcare, committed to excellence and innovation across various medical fields. The Visiting Physicians Programme is designed to boost knowledge sharing and encourage collaboration with top medical professionals worldwide.

Spina bifida is a birth defect where the spine and surrounding membranes do not close properly during early pregnancy stages, potentially leading to neurological issues and long-term disabilities. The surgery employed advanced fetoscopic methods, allowing the team to operate through tiny incisions.

Miniature instruments and a camera were inserted into the closed uterus to access the foetus and fix the defect. Surgeons used only three incisions, each just three millimetres wide, ensuring precision and minimal invasiveness. This method speeds up recovery, lowers complication risks, and maintains the uterine environment during healing.

Dr. Adel Ali Al Junaibi, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at SEHA SKMC, stated that prenatal repair of spina bifida greatly enhances long-term outcomes. It reduces paralysis risk and neurological issues while decreasing the need for multiple surgeries post-birth. Early intervention offers children better chances for independent mobility and an active life.

Dr. Werner Gerhard Diehl, Consultant in Fetal Medicine at SEHA Corniche Hospital, explained that fetoscopic repair of spina bifida is done before birth to correct defects. "When carried out early," he said, "it improves mobility and reduces neurological complications without increasing maternal risk." This procedure demands high precision, thorough planning, training, and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Commitment to Excellence in Foetal Care

The Foetal Medicine Centre at SEHA Corniche Hospital has conducted over 500 therapeutic interventions so far. Their results align with global standards, positioning them as leaders in foetal care within the UAE and regionally. Following successful defect closure, SEHA Corniche Hospital's team carefully closed the abdomen to ensure safe continuation of pregnancy until planned delivery.

This achievement highlights Abu Dhabi's dedication to advancing healthcare quality through innovative practices and international collaboration. The success of this complex surgery reflects ongoing efforts to enhance medical expertise in the region.

With inputs from WAM