Keyhole surgery in the womb could fix spina bifida with fewer risks
NCT ID NCT03090633
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a minimally invasive fetoscopic surgery to repair spina bifida in unborn babies. The goal is to close the spinal defect and reverse brain herniation while reducing risks like uterine rupture and preterm birth that come with open fetal surgery. Thirty pregnant women with isolated spina bifida will be enrolled to see if this approach is both feasible and safer.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- fetoscopic surgery (minimally invasive in-utero procedure using specialized endoscopes and instruments)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a safer way to repair spina bifida before birth, reducing complications like uterine rupture and preterm birth, and possibly allowing vaginal delivery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early feasibility study with only 30 participants. The procedure may not be as effective as open surgery, and risks like premature rupture of membranes or preterm labor remain.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, 21202, United States
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