Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ramen H. Chmait, Martha A. Monson, Huyen Q. Pham, Jason K. Chu, Alexander Van Speybroeck, Andrew H. Chon, Eftichia Kontopoulos, Ruben A. Quintero
Summary: Open spina bifida, the most common congenital anomaly of the central nervous system, can be repaired through prenatal fetoscopic surgery, which has been shown to improve postnatal neurologic outcomes. In this article, a modified surgical approach called percutaneous/mini-laparotomy fetoscopy is described, which combines the benefits of laparotomy-assisted and percutaneous techniques while minimizing their drawbacks.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mateusz Zamlynski, Anita Olejek, Ewa Horzelska, Tomasz Horzelski, Jacek Zamlynski, Rafal Bablok, Iwona Maruniak-Chudek, Katarzyna Olszak-Wasik, Agnieszka Pastuszka
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of the new MgFTCH protocol, which uses classical hysterotomy and magnesium-free tocolysis, in reducing maternal and fetal complications. The findings showed that MgFTCH lowers the risk of major maternal and fetal complications.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Y. Kunpalin, J. Richter, N. Mufti, J. Bosteels, S. Ourselin, P. De Coppi, D. Thompson, A. L. David, J. Deprest
Summary: Multiple intracranial abnormalities were detected by second-trimester ultrasound in fetuses with MMC, but the clinical significance of these findings remains unclear and may not necessarily contraindicate fetal surgery. Long-term follow-up is needed to further investigate the impact of these cranial abnormalities on postnatal outcomes.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
R. Cruz-Martinez, A. Gamez-Varela, M. Cruz-Lemini, M. Martinez-Rodriguez, J. Luna-Garcia, H. Lopez-Briones, F. Chavelas-Ochoa, E. Chavez-Gonzalez, K. Aguilar-Vidales, J. Chavez-Vega, A. Castelo-Vargas, P. Rivera-Carrillo, E. Hernandez-Andrade
Summary: In this study, changes in fetal Doppler parameters during open fetal microneurosurgery for open spina bifida repair were described. The results showed that a small hysterotomy, reduced fetal manipulation, and maintenance of normal amniotic fluid volume during surgery seemed to prevent severe fetal Doppler abnormalities. Mild Doppler changes observed during surgery may be a result of fetal adaptation to the stress of the surgery.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
S. Agrawal, A. Al-Refai, N. Abbasi, A. V. Kulkarni, V. Pruthi, J. Drake, G. Ryan, T. Van Mieghem
Summary: Fetal ventricular size increases regardless of in-utero or postnatal closure of open spina bifida, but the need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion surgery is significantly lower in fetuses undergoing prenatal repair. Ventriculomegaly is independently associated with the need for postnatal CSF diversion in fetuses with open spina bifida, regardless of the timing of closure.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Agnieszka Pastuszka, Mateusz Zamlynski, Tomasz Horzelski, Jacek Zamlynski, Ewa Horzelska, Iwona Maruniak-Chudek, Adrianna Marzec, Justyna Paprocka, Patrycja Gazy, Tomasz Koszutski, Anita Olejek
Summary: Open spina bifida is a common congenital defect of the central nervous system, and open fetal surgery is the gold standard for prenatal repairs. Fetoscopic closure may reduce maternal complications. Complete untethering of neural structures should always be performed to lower the risk of developing secondary tethered spinal cord syndrome.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Luana Sarmento Neves da Rocha, Victor Bunduki, Antonio Gomes de Amorim Filho, Daniel Dante Cardeal, Hamilton Matushita, Hermann Santos Fernandes, Fernando Souza Nani, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira de Francisco, Mario Henrique Burlacchini de Carvalho
Summary: This study presents preliminary findings of open in utero repair of MMC at a public tertiary hospital in Brazil, with 39 patients undergoing the procedure from 2015 to 2019. Results showed that both mothers and fetuses experienced complications, with the need for adjustments in perioperative procedures and long-term follow-up to determine the real benefits of the surgery.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rogelio Cruz-Martinez, Felipe Chavelas-Ochoa, Miguel Martinez-Rodriguez, Karla Aguilar-Vidales, Alma Gamez-Varela, Jonahtan Luna-Garcia, Hugo Lopez-Briones, Joel Chavez-Vega, Angel Augusto Perez-Calatayud, Manuel Alejandro Diaz-Carrillo, Edgar Ahumada-Angulo, Andrea Castelo-Vargas, Erendira Chavez-Gonzalez, Israel Juarez-Martinez, Rosa Villalobos-Gomez, Carlos Rebolledo-Fernandez
Summary: This study compared perinatal outcomes of open fetal microneurosurgery and classic open fetal surgery for intrauterine spina bifida repair, finding that microneurosurgery was associated with better perinatal outcomes.
FETAL DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
John P. Marquart, Andrew B. Foy, Amy J. Wagner
Summary: Fetal surgery is making progress, especially in treating myelomeningocele. However, there are ongoing questions about the optimal approach for repair and patient eligibility.
CLINICS IN PERINATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Christina M. Theodorou, Sarah C. Stokes, Jordan E. Jackson, Christopher D. Pivetti, Priyadarsini Kumar, Kaeli J. Yamashiro, Zachary J. Paxton, Lizette Reynaga, Alicia A. Hyllen, Aijun Wang, Diana L. Farmer
Summary: Clinical-grade placental mesenchymal stromal cells seeded on an extracellular matrix demonstrated the ability to rescue ambulation in a fetal ovine myelomeningocele model. The density of lumbar spine large neurons was strongly correlated with motor function.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Saulo Molina-Giraldo, Roberto Zapata Salcedo, Jose Luis Rojas Arias, Edgar Acuna Osorio, Martha Lucia Pinto Quinones, Hector Fabio Restrepo, Rogelio Cruz-Martinez
Summary: The study compared three different techniques for prenatal myelomeningocele repair and found that using minimally invasive techniques such as mini-hysterotomy and microneurosurgery was associated with better maternal and perinatal outcomes.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. Corroenne, M. Yepez, M. Pyarali, R. M. Johnson, W. E. Whitehead, H. A. Castillo, J. Castillo, A. R. Mehollin-Ray, J. Espinoza, A. A. Shamshirsaz, A. A. Nassr, M. A. Belfort, M. S. Cortes
Summary: This study found that predictors for intact motor function at birth and at 12 months in babies who underwent prenatal repair of open spina bifida included absence of clubfeet, intact motor function at different ultrasound evaluations, and having a flat lesion. In the postnatal repair group, intact motor function at birth was the only predictor for intact motor function at 12 months.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
M. Fishel Bartal, E. P. Bergh, K. Tsao, M. T. Austin, K. J. Moise, S. A. Fletcher, J. Garnett, L. Mann, E. Hernandez-Andrade, A. Johnson, R. Papanna
Summary: This study compared the outcomes of primary skin closure and patch-based repair for in-utero spina bifida (SB) repair, and found that patch-based repair was associated with longer surgery time, longer neonatal intensive care unit stay, and higher need for wound revision within the first year after birth.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Smruti K. Patel, Mounira A. Habli, David N. McKinney, Sammy M. Tabbah, Foong-Yen Lim, Jose L. Peiro, Charles B. Stevenson
Summary: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common open neural tube defect associated with long-term survival. Fetal repair for MMC has been shown to reduce the rate of shunted hydrocephalus and improve developmental outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of fetoscopic MMC repair compared to open fetal repair, with reduced preterm birth and lower risk of uterine dehiscence.
OPERATIVE NEUROSURGERY
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Daniele Di Mascio, Francesca Greco, Giuseppe Rizzo, Asma Khalil, Danilo Buca, Felice Sorrentino, Lorenzo Vasciaveo, Pantaleo Greco, Luigi Nappi, Francesco D'Antonio
Summary: Both prenatal ultrasound and MRI have moderate diagnostic accuracy in determining the level of the lesion in fetuses with open spina bifida. Ultrasound can identify the correct level in 40.9% of cases, while MRI can do so in 42.5% of cases.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
L. Joyeux, J. van der Merwe, M. Aertsen, P. A. Patel, A. Khatoun, M. G. M. C. Mori da Cunha, S. De Vleeschauwer, J. Parra, E. Danzer, M. McLaughlin, D. Stoyanov, T. Vercauteren, S. Ourselin, E. Radaelli, P. de Coppi, F. Van Calenbergh, J. Deprest
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the neurostructural and neurofunctional efficacy of watertight prenatal spina bifida aperta (SBA) repair in a fetal lamb model. The results showed that lambs with watertight repair achieved better neuroprotection and improved brain and spinal cord structure and function compared to lambs without repair. This research has important clinical implications for improving neuroprotection in fetal centers.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Laween Meran, Lucinda Tullie, Simon Eaton, Paolo De Coppi, Vivian S. W. Li
Summary: The authors present a protocol for bioengineering human intestinal mucosal grafts using patient-derived materials. This technology has significant potential for treating intestinal failure and studying human gastrointestinal diseases.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ann-Sophie Page, Jan Y. Verbakel, Johan Verhaeghe, Yani P. Latul, Susanne Housmans, Jan Deprest
Summary: The study aimed to assess whether CO2 laser treatment is more effective than sham application in relieving symptoms in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). The results showed that the treatment response after 12 weeks of laser application was comparable to that of the sham applications, and no serious adverse events were reported.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yada Kunpalin, Simen Vergote, Luc Joyeux, Onur Telli, Anna L. David, Michael Belfort, Paolo De Coppi, Jan Deprest
Summary: A study on commercially available patches used in fetal rabbit models for spina bifida repair found that covering the spinal cord with Duragen or Durepair and closing the skin preserves motor neuron density and reduces the inflammatory response.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sophia Bano, Francisco Vasconcelos, Anna L. David, Jan Deprest, Danail Stoyanov
Summary: Fetoscopic video mosaicking can create an expanded field-of-view image of the fetoscopic intraoperative environment to support surgeons during twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treatment. However, existing methods relying on vessel presence have limitations. We propose a vessel-guided hybrid fetoscopic mosaicking framework that combines placental vessel-based registration and deep learning-based dense matching to improve overall performance. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed framework over state-of-the-art methods, even in vessel-free and low-textured fetoscopic views.
COMPUTER METHODS IN BIOMECHANICS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING-IMAGING AND VISUALIZATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
T. Deprest, L. Fidon, F. De Keyzer, M. Ebner, J. Deprest, P. Demaerel, L. De Catte, T. Vercauteren, S. Ourselin, S. Dymarkowski, M. Aertsen
Summary: This study tested an algorithm for segmenting abnormal fetal brains and found that it achieved good results in fetuses with severe brain abnormalities. However, it is necessary to include rare cases in the current dataset and quality control measures should be implemented to prevent occasional errors.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURORADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emily J. J. Horn-Oudshoorn, Francesca M. Russo, Jan A. Deprest, Florian Kipfmueller, Annegret Geipel, Thomas Schaible, Neysan Rafat, Anne-Gael Cordier, Alexandra Benachi, Nimrah Abbasi, Priscilla P. L. Chiu, Willem P. de Boode, Esther Sikkel, Nina C. J. Peters, Bettina E. Hansen, Irwin K. M. Reiss, Philip L. J. DeKoninck
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to describe the outcomes of preterm born infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and investigate the associations between prenatal imaging markers and survival. The results showed that prenatal imaging markers, including lung-to-head ratio, stomach position, and total fetal lung volume, were associated with postnatal survival in infants with CDH born at or before 32 weeks of gestation.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kobe Haenen, Simen Vergote, Yada Kunpalin, Luc De Catte, Roland Devlieger, Liesbeth Lewi, Johannes van Der Merwe, Francesca Russo, Philippe De Vloo, Lore Lannoo, Jan Deprest
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the medium-term maternal impact of open fetal spina bifida repair. The results showed that nearly half of the respondents chose not to attempt pregnancy again due to their experience and the stress of caring for their child. Most respondents reported psychological problems, mainly anxiety for the health of the child, fear of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies, and feelings of guilt. Therefore, the need for long-term psychological support is emphasized.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Cunera M. C. de Beaufort, Dalia Aminoff, Ivo de Blaauw, Celia Cretolle, Jens Dingemann, Natalie Durkin, Wout F. J. Feitz, JoAnne Fruithof, Caterina Grano, Carmen Mesas Burgos, Nicole Schwarzer, Graham Slater, Tutku Soyer, Cristiano Violani, Rene Wijnen, Paolo de Coppi, Ramon R. Gorter
Summary: The aim of this international study was to assess the current status of transition of care (TOC) and adult care (AC) programs for patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung disease (HD). The results showed that less than 50% of the participating centers had installed these programs, and there was considerable heterogeneity in the content and implementation of the programs. Sharing best practice examples and considering local and national healthcare programs may improve the continuity of care in the future.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Amulya Saxena, Annika Mutanen, Ramon Gorter, Andrea Conforti, Pietro Bagolan, Paolo De Coppi, Tutku Soyer
Summary: This study reviewed the literature on the management of neonatal ovarian simple cysts and formulated a consensus statement based on current evidence and peer practice. Although there is limited data on the potential benefits and complications of prenatal ultrasound-guided aspiration, neonates after such procedures should be followed for 6 months. Neonates with simple ovarian cysts larger than 4 cm should undergo surgical interventions within the first two weeks of life, with laparoscopic cyst aspiration and fenestration using bipolar instruments as the preferred approach. Ultrasound follow-up should be done at 3 months after surgical intervention and every 3 to 4 months with the conservative approach until 1 year.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emma Bauters, Ann-Sophie Page, Laura Cattani, Susanne Housmans, Frank Van der Aa, Andre D'Hoore, Jan Deprest
Summary: This study compared the outcomes of 39 patients who underwent redo laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) with 156 patients who had primary LSCP, and found that redo LSCP carries a higher risk of complications but has comparable efficacy to the primary procedure.
INTERNATIONAL UROGYNECOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Veronika Beck, Guy Froyen, Sebastiaan Deckx, Inga Sandaite, Thomas Deprest, Koen Plevoets, Jan A. Deprest
Summary: The duration of tracheal occlusion in rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia can predict lung growth and airway development, while the timepoint of occlusion does not have a significant impact. Prolonged occlusion results in enhanced lung growth, increased cell proliferation, and more refined airway architecture.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Viktor Voros, Jef De Smet, Mouloud Ourak, Vladimir Poliakov, Jan Deprest, Tom Kimpe, Emmanuel Vander Poorten
Summary: This study investigates the use and benefits of an autostereoscopic (3D) display in a simulated laparoscopic task, aiming to restore the sense of depth. Results show that 3D vision improves task completion time, total traveled distance, and error rate compared to 2D visualization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED RADIOLOGY AND SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nada Mufti, Michael Aertsen, Dominic Thomson, Phillippe De Vloo, Philippe Demaerel, Jan Deprest, Andrew Melbourne, Anna L. David
Summary: This study investigated the use of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for open spina bifida (OSB) patients eligible for fetal surgery. The results showed that there was timely access to supervised MRI, but the acquisition of important imaging parameters was not widespread. Specific guidance for fetal MRI for OSB is suggested.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Yair J. Blumenfeld, Kunj R. Sheth, Eric Johnson, James K. Wall, Jan A. Deprest, Francesca M. Russo, Enrico Danzer
Summary: Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a severe malformation that can lead to high mortality and morbidity. Fetal vesico-amniotic shunts (VAS) have been used to bypass the obstruction, but currently available shunts have high dislodgement rates. We have developed a novel Vortex shunt that aims to improve deployment accuracy and reduce dislodgement risk.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2023)
