Performing the First Fetoscopic Myelomeningocele Repair in the Region

A team at the Colorado Fetal Care Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado performed the hospital’s first fetoscopic myelomeningocele (MMC) repair, joining just a few children’s hospitals in the entire country to offer this type of procedure. Fetoscopic MMC repair is a minimally invasive surgery — performed while the baby is still in the womb — that repairs and closes defects in the spine caused by MMC, a severe form of spina bifida. Research shows opting for fetal surgery instead of waiting until after birth results in better motor function for the baby and a 50% decrease in the need for a shunt.  

The Colorado Fetal Care Center has offered the traditional open MMC repair procedure for years, but this new surgery places a stronger emphasis on prioritizing the best interests of both the baby and the parent. The surgery also gives the birthing parent the option to opt for a vaginal birth as opposed to only having the option of delivering via C-section, which is standard with open repairs.   

This procedure is already making a difference for patients. For example, when a New Mexico mother learned at 21-weeks pregnant her baby had spina bifida, she was immediately referred to Children’s Colorado and opted to be the first to receive this new fetoscopic procedure. Pediatric and fetal surgeon Chris Derderian, MD, and a multidisciplinary team performed the successful surgery in August 2023.  

“We’re excited to be able to offer the fetoscopic approach to give families a choice that benefits both baby and mom,” Dr. Derderian says. “One of the really important principles that we support at our fetal care center is that it’s a maternal and fetal care center — so not just focusing on the fetus, but also the long-term repercussions for the mother as well.”  

Children’s Colorado is now the only hospital in the seven-state region to offer this leading-edge surgery.