Fetal Myelomeningocele Repair through a Mini-Hysterotomy

Objective: To present the feasibility of fetal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair through a mini-hysterotomy and to describe the perinatal results from our initial experience. Methods: A descriptive study of cases of fetal MMC correction via mini-hysterotomy performed between 2014 and 2016. Results: Forty-five women underwent fetal surgery and 87% (39/45) delivered. A complete multilayer correction of the MMC was possible in all cases. There were no maternal, fetal or neonatal deaths. No maternal or fetal complications occurred from fetal MMC correction until maternal hospital discharge. The average gestational age (GA) at surgery was 24.5 weeks (standard deviation, SD: 1.7; range: 20.7-26.9). The median hysterotomy length was 3.05 cm (SD: 0.39; range: 2.50-3.50). One patient (1/39; 2.6%) experienced chorioamniotic separation. Nine patients (9/39; 23.1%) had premature preterm rupture of membranes at a median GA of 34.1 weeks (range: 31.1-36.0). The average GA at delivery was 35.3 weeks (SD: 2.2; range: 27.9-39.1). Ninety-five percent (37/39) of our patients had an intact hysterotomy site at delivery. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was necessary for 7.7% (3/39) of the neonates. Conclusion: Fetal MMC repair is feasible through a mini-hysterotomy. This approach appears to be associated with reduced risks of very preterm delivery and maternal, fetal and neonatal complications.