"The results were exactly what we had hoped for. She's such a good example of the benefits of fetal surgery." Lexi will turn 1 this week but it has been more than 15 months since she had her first surgery; an in utero procedure to repair her spina bifida before she was even born. Watch to see Lexi's incredible progress and learn more about spina bifida care in our Fetal Center: https://bit.ly/45l01VD #NCHFetal #FetalMedicine | Nationwide Children's Hospital

1st successful open heart surgery performed during birth - amazing story of an exit procedure where a baby is partially delivered but still attached to mother - during partial delivery the baby undergoes open heart surgery and after is fully delivered. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/video/1st-successful-open-heart-surgery-performed-birth-119035250 | Dr. Tara Narula

Fetal Surgery in the Uterus for Spina Bifida Fetal surgery for spina bifida is an advanced medical procedure done during pregnancy to repair the baby’s open spine before birth. It’s typically performed between 19 and 26 weeks of gestation at highly specialized centers. Why doctors do it Spina bifida leaves the spinal cord exposed to amniotic fluid, which can cause ongoing nerve damage. Repairing it in the womb can: Protect the spinal nerves earlier Reduce the need for a brain shunt after birth I