SEHA Corniche Hospital performs landmark in‑utero spina bifida repair

Abu Dhabi: SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, announced that Corniche Hospital has successfully performed a 'laparotomy‑assisted fetoscopic repair for spina bifida', marking a significant milestone in advanced fetal medicine.

Spina bifida is a congenital condition that occurs when the spinal cord and spine do not fully close during early pregnancy, leaving part of the spinal cord exposed. This can result in nerve damage and lifelong disabilities.

Dr Werner Gerhard Diehl, Consultant Physician and Chair of the Fetal Medicine Department at SEHA Corniche Hospital, said the case highlights the transformative potential of advanced fetal interventions.

“This case demonstrates the potential of advanced fetal medicine to significantly improve outcomes in complex pregnancies. While spina bifida cannot be cured, offering this highly specialised procedure can meaningfully reduce complications for the baby after birth,” he said.

Dr Diehl added that maternal safety remains the highest priority. “In fetal medicine, the mother’s safety is always our first priority, and the laparotomy‑assisted fetoscopic approach has less impact on future reproductive health compared with other surgical options. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced technology, we were able to intervene effectively and support the family through a very challenging diagnosis.”