- Minimally invasive fetoscopic procedure marks major milestone in maternal and fetal healthcare across the region.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, announced that Corniche Hospital has successfully performed a laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic repair for spina bifida, reflecting the UAE’s continued advancement in specialised fetal medicine and complex in-utero interventions.
Spina bifida is a congenital condition that occurs when the spinal cord and spine do not fully close during early pregnancy, leaving part of the spinal cord exposed. This exposure can lead to nerve damage and lifelong disabilities. Performing surgery on the baby in utero can improve postnatal outcomes, including enhanced mobility and reduced dependence on ventriculoperitoneal shunting.
The hybrid laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic approach used at Corniche Hospital offers the benefits of in-utero spinal closure while minimising risks to the mother. This approach also enables the mother to retain the possibility of future natural deliveries.
This successfully case reflects Corniche Hospital’s multidisciplinary expertise, involving close coordination between fetal medicine specialists, obstetric anaesthetists, and paediatric surgeons to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.
Dr. Werner Gerhard Diehl, Consultant Physician and Chair of the Fetal Medicine Department at SEHA Corniche Hospital, said: “This case demonstrates the potential of advanced fetal medicine to significantly improve outcomes in complex pregnancies. While spina bifida cannot be cured, offering this highly specialised procedure can meaningfully reduce complications for the baby after birth. In fetal medicine, the mother’s safety is always our first priority, and the laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic approach has less impact on future reproductive health compared with other surgical options. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced technology, we were able to intervene effectively and support the family through a very challenging diagnosis.”
Dr. Gareth James Waring, Consultant Physician – Foetal Medicine and Imaging at SEHA Corniche Hospital, added: “Timely diagnosis, advanced surgical expertise, and coordinated specialist care are essential to improving outcomes in high-risk pregnancies.”
As Corniche Hospital continues to expand its advanced fetal medicine services, SEHA remains committed to providing specialised, high-quality care closer to home, enabling families in the UAE to access complex in-utero treatment options without the need to travel abroad.
