Fetal surgery for spina bifida shows encouraging results

For the past few years, surgeons have been able to operate on fetuses before they are born to correct spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spine doesn't close properly during development, causing damage to the spinal cord. The most severe form of spina bifida causes leg paralysis and fluid pressure on the brain. However, physicians have discovered that operating on the unborn child to close the gap in the spine reduces the amount of nerve damage done and reduces the excess fluid in the brain. Not all babies with spina bifida can be operated on before birth, but for those who can, the benefits can be great.