Which of the following is a reported benefit of fetal surgery for spina bifida?

Which of the following is a reported benefit of fetal surgery for spina bifida?

• A. Lower incidence of hindbrain herniation
• B. Complete cure of spina bifida
• C. Eliminates need for any postpartum care
• D. Prevents hydrocephalus entirely

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that repairing spina bifida in the womb can lessen hindbrain herniation associated with Chiari II malformation. When the spinal defect is closed early, the neural tissues are better protected from ongoing exposure and scar formation, which reduces downward pulling and displacement of the hindbrain. As a result, the incidence and severity of hindbrain herniation seen after birth tends to be lower with fetal surgery compared to postnatal repair. This improvement, however, does not mean a complete cure for spina bifida. The underlying defect remains, so long-term management and neurodevelopmental follow-up are still needed. Fetal repair also does not entirely prevent hydrocephalus or eliminate the need for postpartum care; some children still develop hydrocephalus and require interventions such as shunting, and ongoing medical and rehabilitative care is common.

The main idea here is that repairing spina bifida in the womb can lessen hindbrain herniation associated with Chiari II malformation. When the spinal defect is closed early, the neural tissues are better protected from ongoing exposure and scar formation, which reduces downward pulling and displacement of the hindbrain. As a result, the incidence and severity of hindbrain herniation seen after birth tends to be lower with fetal surgery compared to postnatal repair.

This improvement, however, does not mean a complete cure for spina bifida. The underlying defect remains, so long-term management and neurodevelopmental follow-up are still needed. Fetal repair also does not entirely prevent hydrocephalus or eliminate the need for postpartum care; some children still develop hydrocephalus and require interventions such as shunting, and ongoing medical and rehabilitative care is common.