About Fetal Surgery
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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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.
Top-rated hospitals in India with fetal medicine departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform fetal surgery. MediFyr helps you compare fetal medicines and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
Rahul Miller, 32, is a software...
Rahul Miller, 32, is a software engineer and first-time father-to-be. His wife, Priya, is 24 weeks pregnant. During their routine anatomy scan, a detailed ultrasound revealed their baby boy has a severe form of Spina Bifida called Myelomeningocele, where the spinal cord is exposed through an opening in the spine. The condition carries high risks of paralysis, hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), and lifelong disability. Dr. Evans, a fetal surgeon, explained that while the defect couldn't be cured, performing surgery *in utero* to close the spinal opening could significantly improve outcomes. It could reduce the need for a shunt to drain brain fluid after birth and potentially improve lower limb function. After agonizing research and consultations, Rahul and Priya chose to proceed. The surgery at 25 weeks was an intense, 4-hour procedure where Priya was under deep anesthesia and surgeons meticulously repaired the baby's spine through a small opening in her uterus. The recovery for Priya was challenging, requiring strict bed rest to prevent preterm labor and close monitoring for any signs of infection or rupture. Their son, Arjun, was born via planned C-section at 37 weeks. While he has some weakness in his legs and requires physical therapy, he did not develop hydrocephalus, avoiding brain shunt surgery. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster of fear, hope, and profound anxiety. Rahul felt the weight of the decision constantly. After Arjun's birth, seeing their son's stronger-than-expected movement brought overwhelming relief and a deep, enduring gratitude for the medical team. They feel they gave Arjun the best possible start.
Fetal Medicines for Fetal Surgery
Explore experienced fetal medicines who regularly perform fetal surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 8 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
- 10 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 33 Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- Years Experience
- Fetal Medicine
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar