<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of the study was to describe the feasibility of open fetal microneurosurgery for intrauterine spina bifida (SB) repair and to compare perinatal outcomes with cases managed using the classic open fetal surgery technique. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this study, we selected a cohort of consecutive fetuses with isolated open SB referred to our fetal surgery center in Queretaro, Mexico, during a 3.5-year period (2016–2020). SB repair was performed by either classic open surgery (6- to 8-cm hysterotomy with leakage of amniotic fluid, which was replaced before uterine closure) or open microneurosurgery, which is a novel technique characterized by a 15- to 20-mm hysterotomy diameter, reduced fetal manipulation by fixing the fetal back, and maintenance of normal amniotic fluid and uterine volume during the whole surgery. Perinatal outcomes of cases operated with the classic open fetal surgery technique and open microneurosurgery were compared. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Intrauterine SB repair with a complete 3-layer correction was successfully performed in 60 cases either by classic open fetal surgery (<i>n</i> = 13) or open microneurosurgery (<i>n</i> = 47). No significant differences were observed in gestational age (GA) at fetal intervention (25.4 vs. 25.1 weeks, <i>p</i> = 0.38) or surgical times (107 vs. 120 min, <i>p</i> = 0.15) between both groups. The group with open microneurosurgery showed a significantly lower rate of oligohydramnios (0 vs. 15.4%, <i>p</i> = 0.01), preterm rupture of the membranes (19.0 vs. 53.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.01), higher GA at birth (35.1 vs. 32.7 weeks, <i>p</i> = 0.03), lower rate of preterm delivery &#x3c;34 weeks (21.4 vs. 61.5%, <i>p</i> = 0.01), and lower rate of perinatal death (4.8 vs. 23.1%, <i>p</i> = 0.04) than the group with classic open surgery. During infant follow-up, the rate of hydrocephalus requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunting was similar between both groups (7.5 vs. 20%, <i>p</i> = 0.24). All patients showed an intact hysterotomy site at delivery. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Intrauterine spina repair by open fetal microneurosurgery is feasible and was associated with better perinatal outcomes than classic open fetal surgery.

ObjectiveTo describe changes in fetal Doppler parameters during a novel technique for open fetal microneurosurgery for open spina bifida (OSB) repair. MethodsThis was a prospective study of 44 fetuses undergoing open fetal surgery for OSB repair using a novel microneurosurgery approach that is characterized by a mini‐hysterotomy (diameter of 15 mm), minimal fetal manipulation and maintenance of a constant normal amniotic fluid volume throughout the procedure. Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery (UA), fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ductus venosus (DV) was performed before the start of surgery and at prespecified timepoints during fetal surgery. UA pulsatility index (PI) > 95th percentile, DV‐PI > 95th percentile, MCA‐PI < 5th percentile and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) < 5th percentile were considered abnormal. ResultsMedian gestational age at fetal surgery was 25.2 weeks (range, 22.9–27.9 weeks). Doppler recordings were successfully obtained in all cases during all timepoints throughout the surgery. As compared with Doppler values before surgery, there was a significant increase in the proportion of fetuses with MCA‐PI < 5th percentile (63.6% vs 13.6%; P < 0.001), CPR < 5th percentile (65.9% vs 15.9%; P < 0.001) and DV‐PI > 95th percentile (22.7% vs 0%; P = 0.01) and a non‐significant increase in the proportion of fetuses with UA‐PI > 95th percentile (11.4% vs 0%; P = 0.12) during fetal surgery. None of the fetuses showed absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in the UA or absent or reversed DV a‐wave at any stage during OSB repair. All abnormal Doppler parameters returned to normal after surgery. ConclusionsDuring open fetal surgery for OSB repair, a small hysterotomy, reduced fetal manipulation and maintenance of a normal amniotic fluid volume seem to prevent severe fetal Doppler abnormalities. The mild Doppler changes observed during fetal surgery could be a manifestation of fetal adaptation to the stress of fetal surgery. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective To evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes of late open fetal repair for open spina bifida (OSB) between 26+0–27+6 weeks. Methods A cohort of fetuses with OSB who underwent open surgery in two fetal surgery centers (Argentina and Mexico). Two groups were defined based on the gestational age (GA) at intervention: Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) time window group: GA 19+0–25+6, and late intervention group: GA 26+0–27+6. Results Intrauterine OSB repair was successfully performed in 140 cases, either before (n = 57) or after (n = 83) 26 weeks, at on average 25+0 (22+6–25+6) and 26+5 (26+0–27+6) weeks + days, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rate of premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, oligohydramnios, preterm delivery, perinatal death and maternal complications. The late intervention group showed a significantly lower surgical times (112.6 vs. 124.2 min, p = 0.01), lower interval between fetal surgery and delivery (7.9 vs. 9.2 weeks, p < 0.01) and similar rate of hydrocephalus requiring treatment (30.6% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.44) than the MOMS time window group. Conclusion Late fetal surgery for OSB repair between 26+0–27+6 weeks is feasible and was associated with similar outcomes than that performed before 26 weeks. These findings may allow an extension of the proposed time window for cases with late diagnosis or referral.

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