Historic Open Fetal Surgery in the Philippines
The Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) has successfully performed the country’s first open fetal surgery for myelomeningocele, a groundbreaking achievement in pediatric and prenatal healthcare. This complex operation took place on March 26 at PCMC’s Perinatal Center, marking a significant milestone for Filipino medical advancements.
The baby boy, who underwent open fetal surgery for myelomeningocele while still in his mother’s womb, was delivered safely via cesarean section on May 21. This occurred two months after the intricate procedure was performed on his 30-year-old mother. Both mother and child are now stable and receiving attentive care at the medical center.
Understanding Open Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele
Myelomeningocele is the most severe type of spina bifida, a birth defect caused by incomplete closure of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues during early pregnancy. This condition often leads to serious neurological and mobility challenges and carries an estimated 10 percent mortality rate among live births.
During the open fetal surgery, the surgical team repaired the baby’s spinal defect while the baby was still in the womb. This early intervention is critical in reducing the likelihood of lifelong disabilities and improving the child’s future quality of life.
Preparing for a Complex Procedure
According to local experts, the success of this surgery was the result of meticulous planning, training, and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams at PCMC. They coordinated every detail—from specialized equipment and surgical protocols to patient care strategies—to ensure the best possible outcomes.
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist involved in the case shared, “We planned thoroughly and made sure every detail was addressed, from training to multiple multidisciplinary team meetings and pre-procedural planning.” The specialist emphasized the importance of early prenatal care, noting it allows timely interventions that can significantly improve fetal health.
The Impact of Early Prenatal Care
The baby’s parents initially worried about the child’s future and sought every possible treatment to avoid further complications. They were referred to the PCMC Fetal Surgery Program by their maternal-fetal medicine specialist in their home province after learning about the option.
Experts highlight that early diagnosis and monitoring during pregnancy are essential to identify cases where open fetal surgery may be beneficial. This approach opens doors for interventions that can prevent severe disabilities before birth.
Future of Fetal Surgery in the Philippines
A pediatric neurosurgeon involved in the operation noted that approximately one in every 1,000 babies born in the Philippines is affected by myelomeningocele. Currently, open fetal surgery remains the most effective treatment to improve outcomes for these babies.
The PCMC Fetal Surgery Program aims to continue offering access to these advanced prenatal surgeries for qualified mothers, not only within the Philippines but also in neighboring countries. This program represents a significant step forward in making complex fetal interventions accessible locally.
This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and expertise of the entire medical team, including surgeons, nurses, and support staff, who worked tirelessly to make this success possible.
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