Baby girl doing well after receiving in utero surgery for spina bifida at 23 weeks

In utero surgeries have previously shown to increase the risk of premature births, which can lead to chronic health issues. But the fetal surgical team at the Clinic restored the malformation of the child’s spine and allowed for her to be delivered at nearly full term, avoiding additional health complications.

“By successfully repairing the defect before birth, we’re allowing this child to have the best possible outcome and significantly improve her quality of life,” said Dr. Darrell Cass, the leading doctor on the surgical team. “There are different measures of quality in determining success for fetal repairs and in this particular case, all metrics for maximum quality were achieved.”

The operation was performed in February of this year, and the baby was born in early June at nearly 37 weeks gestation. Both the mother and the child are in healthy condition.

“Families in this region now have more options when it comes to making these types of decisions and we are thrilled to be able to provide the care needed for these complex cases,” said Dr. Cass.

The announcement drew praise from anti-abortion groups and lawmakers.

“Congratulations to heroes @ClevelandClinic. A monumental achievement for medicine, and all humanity,” said Utah Sen. Mike Lee.

“Wow! This is what’s possible when science & technology are used to enhance life, rather than end it,” the March for Life tweeted.

Spina bifida is often discovered during routine anatomy scans at approximately 18 weeks into pregnancy. The defect causes malformation of the backbone that protects the spinal cord, which can damage the spinal cord, nerves surrounding the backbone, and possibly lead to brain damage.

Children born with spina bifida sometimes have lowered leg strength, decreased abilities to run or walk, and difficulty using the restroom.