37.4 Conclusion
Myelomeningocele is a morbid disease with a significant mortality within the first several decades of life. Fetal surgery is a promising therapy to prevent progressive neurological dysfunction. Unfortunately, fetal repair has not been shown thus far to improve leg or bladder function. Data from VUMC and CHOP suggest that hindbrain herniation and the need for VP shunting may be decreased. These potential improvements must be balanced with maternal safety considerations. The current funded trial in the United States will provide answers about the efficacy of fetal surgery for this disease, and, just as importantly, will provide the best data about the efficacy of the current multidisciplinary methods of treatment for MMC and the outcome of these children.
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Lee, H., Albanese, C.T. (2006). Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele. In: Esposito, C., Guys, J.M., Gough, D., Savanelli, A. (eds) Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg . https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-30867-9_37
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