Hope Before Birth: A New Approach to Spina Bifida Surgery
Spina bifida is a serious condition that develops early in pregnancy when the neural tube—which becomes the spinal cord—doesn’t close completely. Because the spinal cord is exposed to amniotic fluid, inflammation can occur and complications can follow, including fluid buildup in and around the brain (hydrocephalus). Beyond the immediate medical realities, spina bifida can shape a child’s needs over time and place a lasting emotional and logistical burden on families.
For years, treatment options during pregnancy have been limited and often came with major tradeoffs. But a newer approach to fetal surgery is changing what’s possible—bringing hope to families and expanding access to advanced care closer to home.
What’s Happening
A specialized fetal surgery procedure—performed around 25 to 26 weeks of gestation—is now available in Utah to help treat spina bifida before a baby is born. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Stephen Fenton explains that while the surgery is not a cure, it can reduce complications by addressing the condition earlier and in a different way than traditional methods.
Historically, fetal surgery for spina bifida required a large incision in the uterus—an approach that increased complication risk and typically meant a C-section for delivery, plus higher-risk considerations for future pregnancies. The newer technique uses smaller incisions and instruments to operate more minimally while still carefully exposing the uterus. This can lower surgical risk and allow the pregnancy—and even future pregnancies—to proceed more like a “normal” pregnancy.
This is also not a solo effort. The procedure requires significant preparation and coordination across a large, highly trained team. Dr. Fenton notes that the team has performed ten procedures to date—an early milestone that reflects both the difficulty of the work and the commitment behind it.
Why It Matters
For families who receive a spina bifida diagnosis at the mid-pregnancy screening ultrasound (often around 20 weeks), time and options can feel limited—and overwhelming. Having access to this procedure in Utah means families may no longer need to travel far from home to pursue advanced fetal care, and they may be able to make decisions with more support, stability, and continuity.
It also signals something bigger for healthcare in the region: complex, cutting-edge procedures depend on teamwork, training, and a system willing to prioritize innovation for patients. As this approach continues to evolve (it’s only been around for about a decade), Utah’s role in advancing fetal surgery could grow—helping shape what “standard of care” looks like in the future.
The Bottom Line
Spina bifida can have lifelong consequences, and no single procedure can erase every challenge a child or family may face. But the availability of a newer, less invasive fetal surgery option in Utah represents a meaningful step forward: fewer risks than older approaches, care closer to home, and a growing team capable of delivering highly specialized treatment.
For families navigating a difficult diagnosis, it’s not just about a new procedure—it’s about a new possibility.