Jefferson County Leader Tells Story of Fetal Surgery Patient

July 3, 2013 — Theresa Brischle was 20 weeks into her pregnancy when an ultrasound revealed her baby had spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord does not form properly during prenatal development.

After researching their options, the family learned about the potential for fetal surgery and decided to come to CHOP for evaluation to see if Theresa was a candidate. She was, and in January 2013, Theresa and baby Kaylee underwent fetal surgery to repair the opening in Kaylee’s spinal cord.

After delivering early, Kaylee has been making steady progress and her family and doctors are optimistic about her future. Learn more about the Brischle’s experiences in the Jefferson County Leader story, “Born twice: Baby undergoes fetal surgery to repair spinal lesion.”