Learn about Fetal Surgery Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Fetal Surgery and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Fetal Surgery

Fetal surgery is a highly specialized, advanced medical procedure performed by fetal medicine specialists to treat certain life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions in a baby while still in the womb. This groundbreaking field of maternal-fetal medicine aims to correct anatomical defects before birth, potentially preventing irreversible organ damage and improving long-term outcomes. Procedures can be minimally invasive (fetoscopic) using small cameras and instruments or open surgery requiring a maternal incision. It represents a collaborative effort between maternal-fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, neonatology, and anesthesia teams, offering hope for conditions that were once considered untreatable until after delivery. This intervention is considered only after extensive evaluation and when the potential benefits significantly outweigh the risks to both the fetus and the mother.

Key Highlights

    Offers a chance to correct severe birth defects before they cause irreversible damage.Can significantly improve long-term survival and quality of life for the baby.May prevent complications like hydrops fetalis or organ failure.Performed by a multidisciplinary team of highly specialized experts in fetal care.Minimally invasive (fetoscopic) options reduce risks for the mother compared to open surgery.Can sometimes allow for a vaginal delivery at term, avoiding extreme prematurity./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic twins.
  • Fetal spina bifida (myelomeningocele) to preserve neurological function.
  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with poor predicted prognosis.
  • Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) causing kidney damage.
  • Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) with high-output cardiac failure.
  • Fetal anemia requiring intrauterine transfusion.
  • Certain life-threatening lung masses (e.g., CCAM, BPS).
  • Amniotic band syndrome threatening limb or digit amputation.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive diagnostic workup including detailed ultrasound, fetal echocardiogram, and often fetal MRI.
  • Extensive genetic counseling and testing to confirm diagnosis and rule out associated syndromes.
  • Detailed multidisciplinary consultation involving fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, neonatology, and anesthesia.
  • Thorough maternal health evaluation to ensure she can safely undergo the procedure.
  • Detailed informed consent process explaining all potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.
  • Pre-operative medications may include corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturation and tocolytics to prevent preterm labor.
  • Psychological counseling and support for the parents to prepare for the procedure and potential outcomes.

Risks & possible complications

  • Preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
  • Maternal risks: Bleeding, infection, damage to abdominal organs, and complications from anesthesia.
  • Fetal risks: Bradycardia (slow heart rate), hemorrhage, direct injury, or procedure-related demise.
  • Risk of needing an emergency cesarean delivery during or immediately after surgery.
  • Potential for uterine scar (from open surgery), impacting future pregnancies.
  • Incomplete correction of the defect, requiring postnatal surgery.
  • Increased risk of placental complications like abruption.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate post-procedure monitoring in a specialized high-risk obstetric unit for 3-7 days.
  • Continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate and uterine activity for signs of preterm labor.
  • Maternal activity is significantly restricted, often requiring bed rest initially.
  • Administration of medications (tocolytics, antibiotics) to prevent labor and infection.
  • Regular follow-up ultrasounds to assess fetal well-being and the success of the intervention.
  • Close surveillance for the remainder of the pregnancy, with planned delivery at a tertiary care center.
  • Long-term follow-up for the baby after birth with relevant pediatric specialists.
  • Emotional and psychological support for the parents throughout the recovery and remainder of the pregnancy.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks (for mother; fetal recovery is ongoing)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering fetal surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for fetal surgery compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 5,438 – USD 27,192 5-10 days ~ 4-6 weeks (for mother; fetal recovery is ongoing) Know More
Turkey USD 40,263 – USD 201,313 5-10 days ~ 4-6 weeks (for mother; fetal recovery is ongoing) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

A 42-year-old corporate lawyer from Pune,...

A 42-year-old corporate lawyer from Pune, previously diagnosed with unexplained secondary infertility, was referred to Dr. Mittal after conceiving through IVF. Detailed anomaly scan revealed early signs of fetal hydrops. Through careful monitoring and intrauterine transfusions, the pregnancy continued to 34 weeks, resulting in a healthy baby girl who required brief NICU care.

Fetal Medicines for Fetal Surgery

Explore experienced fetal medicines who regularly perform fetal surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Deepti Mittal
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Surekha Balaji
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashutosh Gupta
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. (Brig.) Anil  Khetarpal
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Laxmi Narayan Sahoo
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Fetal Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated