Fetal surgery, a term that might have recently caught your attention due to Kourtney Kardashian’s Instagram post, involves medical procedures performed on unborn fetuses before delivery.
Let’s explore what fetal surgery entails, the conditions it can treat, the specialists involved, and the risks associated with these procedures.
What Is Fetal Surgery? Kourtney Kardashian’s Recent Procedure Explained
Fetal surgery is a medical procedure performed on unborn fetuses before delivery, with the goal of either preventing fetal loss or improving the long-term outcome for the newborn.
Procedures like fetal transfusions, which involve transfusing donor blood into the umbilical vein, have been performed since the 1960s. Over the years, the field of fetal surgery has evolved, with established programs in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Common conditions treated with fetal surgery include twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, where laser surgery can create two functioning placentas, and neural tube defects like spina bifida.
Some conditions require immediate intervention to save the baby’s life, while others, such as spina bifida, are typically treated after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal surgeries range from minimally invasive needle procedures to more complex surgeries involving large incisions in the uterus.
Risks associated with fetal surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and fluid accumulation in the mother’s lungs. The most significant risk is preterm labor and delivery, which can have serious consequences for both the baby and the mother.
Fetal surgery is a collaborative effort involving maternal-fetal medicine specialists, pediatric surgeons, cardiologists, neurosurgeons, neonatologists, and other specialized healthcare professionals.
While fetal surgery centers are available in many large cities, access to these procedures can be limited in rural areas, requiring some patients to travel long distances for treatment. Overall, fetal surgery offers hope and unique opportunities for mothers and fetuses facing complex medical challenges.
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