Keyhole surgery in the womb: a new hope for spina bifida?

NCT ID NCT02390895

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested a new, less invasive surgical technique to repair spina bifida before birth. Seven pregnant women carrying babies with the condition underwent a fetoscopic procedure using small incisions and a camera. The goal was to see if the surgery was feasible and safe for both mother and child.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

endoscopic fetal surgery

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a less invasive option for prenatal spina bifida repair, potentially reducing complications for mother and baby.

What could go wrong

This was a very small feasibility study with only 7 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The procedure carries risks like preterm birth and infection.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

myelomeningocele

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades

    Paris, 75015, France