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Objective: To present with various experimental and clinical studies that the prenatal repair of spina bifida aperta by performing open fetal surgery provides better neurological results than postnatal repair. By starting to report clinical series after experimental studies on the repair of spina bifida aperta by endoscopic fetal surgery gives hope for the decrease of maternal complications. Case: We aimed to discuss, in the light of literature, the early period neurological results of fetuses and our experience on two cases who were diagnosed at 21 weeks of gestation and undergone the repair of intrauterine spina bifida aperta by endoscopic method at 26 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: We believe that maintaining experimental studies and sharing clinical experience on fetal surgery, which began to be an option in standard treatment algorithms for selected cases in the USA and Europe in the last decade, are of vital importance in terms of obtaining lower complication rates and better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vast majority of the congenital surgical abnormalities can be determined prior to birth. Most of these defects are perceived from ultrasonographic examinations during pregnancy. Some of the complicated abnormalities detected in the prenatal period, with the collaboration of obstetrics, neonatology, genetics, pediatrics and pediatric surgery specialists, can also be treated prenatally by taking the decision of family. Prenatal information related with the type of birth, minimal requirements for a possible maternal hospital, possible course of the diasease, management protocols and their effects on the future of unborn patient should be given in detail to tha parents. As the delivery time approaches, many of the pregnant mothers with managable abormalities should be directed to the appropriate centers where the previously mentioned teams work. For those fetuses with severe, life threatening abnormalities, evaluation of the abortion decision should be made earlier. In these centers, either the baby is delivered in the preterm period or the method for the birth could be altered acording to the characteristics of the abnormality. Intrauterin correction is required for some fetuses. Postnatal treatment of the most abnormalities ascertained will be made by pediatric surgeons. By courtesy of these consultations, due to the prenatal follow up and and planned emergent treatment following birth, birth place and method could be changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]