Implementation and Assessment of a Laparotomy-Assisted Three-Port Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Repair Program

Open spina bifida (OSB) is a congenital, non-lethal malformation with multifactorial etiology. Fetal therapy can be offered under certain conditions to parents after accurate prenatal diagnostic and interdisciplinary counseling. Since the advent of prenatal OSB surgery, various modifications of the original surgical techniques have evolved, including laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic repair. After a two-year preparation time, the team at the University of Giessen and Marburg (UKGM) became the first center to provide a three-port, three-layer fetoscopic repair of OSB via a laparotomy-assisted approach in the German-speaking area. We point out that under the guidance of experienced centers and by intensive multidisciplinary preparation and training, a previously described and applied technique could be transferred to a different setting.

Automated summary

Open spina bifida (OSB) is a congenital malformation that can be treated through prenatal fetal therapy. The University of Giessen and Marburg (UKGM) has successfully performed a three-port, three-layer fetoscopic repair of OSB via laparotomy-assisted approach. The transfer of technique to a different setting is possible with experienced centers and intensive multidisciplinary preparation and training.