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Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida

Mother and newborn in the delivery room
Mother and newborn in the delivery room

Why choose Ochsner for spina bifida care?

Recently, major breakthroughs have been made in treating spina bifida diagnosed before birth with promising results. In New Orleans, Louisiana, Ochsner Health is leading the way with these advancements, giving families hope and brighter futures.

In 2013, Ochsner performed the first in-utero surgery for spina bifida in the Gulf South. Our fetal surgery team operated successfully on a 23-week-old fetus with myelomeningocele, a serious condition that happens when the spinal cord doesn’t close properly during the early stages of a baby’s development, usually in the first month of pregnancy with excellent results. 

Ochsner also houses the only 24/7 Maternal Fetal Specialist Team and Fetal Therapy Team in the region. In addition, Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion is home to the region’s only level 4 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) – the highest level designation awarded by the State of Louisiana. 

Also, the Brent House Hotel is connected to Ochsner Medical Center giving families a convenient place to stay close to their loved ones receiving care.  

Spina bifida is a neurological condition that can cause a portion of the spinal cord to develop outside the body. A complex form, myelomeningocele, affects around 1,500 babies in the U.S every year. Myelomeningocele can cause a buildup of spinal fluid in the brain, mobility problems and other lifelong issues.

In the past, surgeons had to wait until after a baby was born to repair spina bifida. However, studies show that babies who have surgery before birth are twice as likely to walk on their own by age 2 and are half as likely to need a shunt at birth to relieve pressure on their brain. While not every pregnancy is a candidate for this surgery, it is now standard care for families to meet with a high-risk pregnancy doctor to discuss the option of prenatal surgery for spina bifida.

Genetic testing for spina bifida is available at Ochsner.

The fetal surgery team at Ochsner specializes in areas such as pediatric neurosurgery, obstetric anesthesiology, pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and ICU. We also have a plastic surgeon onboard at this stage. 

After a thorough evaluation including an ultrasound, MRI and fetal echocardiogram, you will meet with members our team to review your test results, confirm the diagnosis, explain treatment options and potential outcomes, and answer all of your questions. 

If you are a candidate, between 22 and 26 weeks pregnant, we’ll perform the surgery on you and your fetus, which will be very much like a cesarean section. After the surgery our team will monitor you and your baby with weekly follow-up appointments and ultrasounds. Then, at 37 weeks, you’ll deliver your baby by C-section. 

FAQs

Spina bifida is a neurological condition that can cause a portion of the spinal cord to develop outside the body. A complex form, myelomeningocele, affects around 1,500 babies in the U.S every year. Myelomeningocele can cause a buildup of spinal fluid in the brain, mobility problems and other lifelong issues.

A tethered spinal cord is a condition where the spinal cord is stuck or attached to tissues around the spine, like the bones or skin. Normally, the spinal cord moves freely as you grow and move, but when it’s tethered, it can’t move as it should. This can cause problems like back pain, trouble walking, or issues with bladder control. It’s often something people are born with, but it can also happen after an injury or surgery. Doctors can usually treat it with surgery to free the spinal cord and prevent further problems.

The symptoms can vary depending on how severe it is. In mild cases, there might not be any noticeable symptoms, but sometimes there’s a small dimple, birthmark, or patch of hair on the back. In more serious cases, there can be a fluid-filled sac on the back, and in the most severe form, the sac may contain part of the spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to problems like weak or paralyzed legs, trouble walking, issues with bladder or bowel control, and sometimes a curved spine. Some people may also have fluid buildup in the brain, which can cause additional complications. It’s important to see a doctor for proper care if spina bifida is suspected.

Spina bifida happens when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly during early pregnancy. This is because the neural tube, which later develops into the brain and spinal cord, doesn’t close completely. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but several factors can increase the risk. These include a lack of folic acid (a type of vitamin B) during pregnancy, a family history of neural tube defects, certain medications, and health conditions like diabetes or obesity in the mother.

There are three main types of spina bifida, and they range from mild to severe. The mildest type is called spina bifida occulta. In this form, there’s a small gap in the spine, but the spinal cord and nerves are normal. Most people are unaware they have it because it typically doesn’t cause any problems, although there may be a small dimple, birthmark, or patch of hair on the back. The second type is meningocele, where a sac of fluid pushes through an opening in the spine, but the spinal cord is not in the sac. This type is less common and usually doesn’t cause serious nerve damage. The most severe type is myelomeningocele. In this form, the sac contains part of the spinal cord and nerves, which are often damaged. This can lead to serious issues like trouble walking, paralysis, and problems with bladder or bowel control. Each type affects people differently, and treatment depends on how severe the condition is.

Yes, spina bifida can be treated, but it depends on how serious it is. Mild cases often don’t need treatment. For more severe cases, surgery can close the opening in the spine and protect the nerves. Sometimes, this surgery is done before the baby is born. Other treatments, like physical therapy, braces, or medicine, can help with movement and other issues. While there’s no cure, these treatments can improve life and manage symptoms.

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Map of Ochsner-affiliated facilities that provide services related to Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida

Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida Locations

Ochsner Baptist Women's Pavilion
2700 Napoleon Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
Ochsner Baptist - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center
2700 Napoleon Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
  • Open 24/7