Cirugía in utero frente al diagnóstico de la espina bífida

Abstract

Introduction: During the normal development of the central nervous system, congenital defects known as spina bifida can occur due to incomplete development of the neural tube between the third and fourth gestational week. Two corrective techniques have been developed: postnatal surgery and in utero or prenatal surgery. The latter involves exposing the fetal neural tube and correcting its premature closure, and it is performed in the early weeks of gestation. Its diagnosis is mainly done through prenatal ultrasound and laboratory tests, such as alpha-fetoprotein.

Objective: To identify the benefits of in utero surgery in the treatment of spina bifida diagnosis.

Methodology: A scoping review was conducted through a literature search. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, and the search was performed in scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer Link. Each of the articles to be used was added to the Zotero bibliographic tool.

Expected results: The aim is to highlight the benefits of in utero surgery in fetuses diagnosed with spina bifida, compared to the development of complications and physical and psychological limitations caused by this condition.

Conclusion: The application of in utero surgery in patients has significantly improved their quality of life, reducing mortality and neurological, motor, and sphincter complications. It has also decreased the need for additional medical interventions such as ventriculoperitoneal shunting and invasive surgeries for children.