MUMBAI: Parel’s Wadia Hospital launched a centre offering fetal surgery for open spina bifida, a birth defect where a baby’s spine fails to close properly during pregnancy, leaving part of it exposed.
In India, the prevalence of this condition is reported to be as high as 13 to 17 cases per 10,000 live and stillbirths.
“It is often considered a disease of poverty, as inadequate maternal nutrition and a lack of folic acid play a significant role in its occurrence,” a doctor from the hospital said.
“While most families opt for abortion in such cases, some decide to continue with the pregnancy due to personal reasons, such as couples who have been trying to conceive for years. Fetal surgery is designed to provide hope and support to such families.”
The doctor further explained that the surgery is performed between the 20th and 26th weeks of pregnancy, aiming to repair the defect while the baby is still in the womb. It protects the baby’s spinal cord from further damage during pregnancy, significantly improving nerve function and increasing the likelihood of walking independently compared to those treated after birth.
However, outcomes depend on the severity of the defect, as some nerves may already be irreparably damaged before surgery.
While many children achieve some level of mobility, others may still face muscle weakness, imbalance, or partial paralysis. “It is also important to remember that the procedure is safe for the mother, and outcomes in centres where it is performed have been promising,” the doctor added.
Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Wadia Hospital, said, “With these exceptional fetal procedures, we aim to provide world-class care to every patient and ensure timely treatment and ideal support for every family, no matter how complex their situation.”
