For the First Time in the Middle East In-Utero Endoscopic Surgery at KFSHRC Corrects Spinal Cord Defect in 26-Week-Old Fetus
July 16 2024 - 9:36AM
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in
Riyadh successfully performed life-changing surgery on a
26-week-old fetus correcting a congenital spinal defect. This
pioneering procedure, the first of its kind in the Middle East, was
carried out using fetal endoscopic surgery, providing the family
with newfound hope and relief. The early intervention not only aims
to enhance the baby's future health and development but also
reduces the likelihood of complex surgeries after birth. The
mother, who has shown remarkable resilience and strength, has been
discharged in good health and will continue her pregnancy under
careful medical supervision.
The medical team performed the intrauterine
procedure to keep the fetus in the womb for the remainder of the
pregnancy, enhancing its chances of healthy development. The
operation involved the use of a fetal endoscope, creating three
small incisions in the uterus, each no more than 2 millimeters, at
the site of the fetus's back. The fetus was monitored using
ultrasound throughout the surgery, and the congenital defect was
successfully repaired, ensuring the spinal cord is now fully
protected.
Commenting on this success, Dr. Saud Alshanafey,
the lead surgeon and Director of the Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
Program, stated, "This achievement reflects significant medical
advancements in fetal surgery and highlights KFSHRC's commitment to
providing the highest standards of healthcare to improve the
quality of life for fetuses and their families in the Kingdom and
beyond." He explained that the traditional approach for spina
bifida involves performing surgery on the child after birth to
prevent infections in the nervous system. However, this method may
not completely prevent neurological complications arising from the
exposure of the spinal cord during pregnancy.
Dr. Saud Alshanafey pointed out that the novelty
of this procedure lies in repairing the congenital defect using a
minimally invasive fetal endoscope through incisions no larger than
2 millimeters, avoiding the need to open the uterus, which
positively impacts the health of the mother and the pregnancy.
Spina bifida is a common congenital defect
worldwide, affecting 1 in every 1,000 to 2,000 births. It results
in the exposure of the spinal cord to amniotic fluid, affecting the
nerves of the lower limbs, bladder, and lower digestive system,
potentially accompanied by hydrocephalus, leading to movement
disorders, neurological dysfunctions, and urinary issues.
Spina bifida occurs when the spine and spinal
cord do not form properly in the fetus due to the incomplete
closure of the neural tube, which is responsible for developing the
fetal brain, spinal cord, and associated tissues during the early
weeks of pregnancy.
It is noteworthy that King Faisal Specialist
Hospital & Research Centre has been ranked first in the Middle
East and Africa and 20th globally, in the list of the world's top
250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year and
recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and
the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings.
Additionally, in the same year, it was ranked among the world's
best 250 hospitals by Newsweek magazine.
For more information, please contact:Mr. Essam
AlZahrani, Acting Director of Media Affairs, 0555254429Mr. Abdullah
Alown, Director of Media Coordination, 0556294232
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49a37d58-c384-446d-ae21-4c97c6987144