Surgeons repair spina bifida before birth

Surgeons have achieved the first correction of spina bifida in a 23 week old fetus, allowing the baby to be born with normal leg movements a few weeks later.

The doctors who performed the surgery reported that by repairing the condition before birth, it was possible to prevent the nerve damage that frequently accompanies the condition (Lancet1998;352:1675-6). The doctors were from the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. Similar procedures have been performed …