Open vs minimally invasive surgery for spina bifida baby
Part of Brain & nervous system, Genetic & congenital clinical trials.
This study compares two ways to correct spina bifida while the baby is still in the womb: an open operation (laparotomy) versus a minimally invasive endoscopic approach (percutaneous endoscopic). The goal is to see which approach leads to better outcomes for the baby and pregnancy.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- Your baby has spina bifida (myelomeningocele) with brain tissue moving (hindbrain herniation), confirmed by ultrasound and MRI
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are between 19 weeks and 27 weeks, 6 days pregnant when you join
- Genetic testing shows a balanced karyotype (a specific chromosome result confirmed in writing)
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial tests a special fetal surgery (fetoscopic repair) to fix spina bifida before birth. It might help reduce spine and brain damage in babies with this condition.
This trial looks at how safe and effective certain surgical devices are when doctors perform a minimally invasive fetal procedure to repair a neural tube defect. If you choose this specific type of fetal surgery, you may be able to join the study to help improve care for future patients.
This study looks at the fluid around the brain and spinal cord (called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) in newborns and fetuses with spina bifida, compared to babies without the condition. The goal is to understand how this fluid may affect brain development, which could lead to better treatments in the future.
This trial studies a cell-based treatment given during fetal surgery to help repair myelomeningocele (spina bifida) before birth. It aims to improve outcomes for the baby by supporting “in utero” repair, but you must meet strict pregnancy and health criteria to be considered.
This study looks at how parents make decisions about fetal surgery for spina bifida (myelomeningocele) and how they feel afterward. It aims to understand the emotional and psychological effects to better support families.
This study tests whether a patch made from donated umbilical cord can help repair spina bifida in the womb using a minimally invasive fetoscopic approach. If successful, it may reduce the need for more invasive open fetal surgery.
Hear when a new Neural Tube Defects trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.