National News Covers Fetal Surgery Breakthrough

February 9, 2011 — Performing delicate surgery in the womb, months before birth, can substantially improve outcomes for children with a common, disabling birth defect of the spine. Spina bifida is the most common birth defect of the central nervous system, affecting about 1,500 babies born each year in the U.S.

Experts at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia co-led a new landmark study showing that fetal surgery for spina bifida greatly reduces the need to divert fluid from the brain, improves mobility and improves the chances that a child will be able to walk independently.

Many national media outlets featured the study results and the significance for future generations.

• ABC News: Babies Face Better Outlook with Surgery in Womb
• The Associated Press: Fetal Surgery Better for Kids with Spine Defect
• Bloomberg and Business Week: Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida Better Than Treatment After Birth
• CBS News: Health Watch: Spina Bifida Breakthrough
• The New York Times: Success of Spina Bifida Study Opens Fetal Surgery Door
• Science: Surgery in Utero Helps Ease Effects of Spina Bifida
• The Wall Street Journal: Spine Defect Best Fixed Before Birth
• The Philadelphia Inquirer: Spina Bifida Study Offers New Hope for Fetal Surgery