A team of 30 doctors at the University College Hospital in London has been able to conduct surgery on a pair of fetuses making it the first surgery of its kind in the UK. Specifically, the babies in question had spina bifida, a condition when the spinal cord fails to develop properly and consequently has a gap in it. As for what the surgeons were able to do, during the 90-minute surgery that took place this summer the doctors cut an opening in the womb, through which they were able to then stitch together the babies’ gaps in the spine.However, this wasn’t a simple procedure, in fact, the procedure is particularly risky due to the possibility of triggering the mother into premature labour, however, the UCL Professor that worked on bringing the procedure to the UK, Anne David, stated: “We put the mum on some drugs that help relax them, but there is still a risk.” Although, now that the surgery has been carried out successfully many can rejoice knowing that they wont have to travel to distant countries to receive the same procedure. Prof David said: “It’s fantastic,” adding, “Women now don’t have to travel out of the UK. They can have their family with them. There are less expenses. So all good things.”
