Abstract
Objective: Assess the feasibility of a fetoscopic patch coverage method for myelomeningocele repair in a sheep model. Study design: Experimental study. A myelomeningocele-like defect was created in 15 fetal sheep on day 75 of gestation. Six remained untreated, whereas 9 underwent fetoscopic coverage of the defect on day 95 of gestation using an inert patch secured with surgical sealant. Clinical and histological examinations were performed after delivery. Results: Four valid newborn lambs were obtained in each group. Mean fetoscopic surgical time was 26.9 (SD = 7.4) min. All untreated animals had an open lumbar defect with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, paraplegia, urinary incontinence, and Chiari malformation. All treated animals had a closed defect and were able to walk; one had weak bladder control, and another mild Chiari malformation. Conclusion: In a chronic myelomeningocele model in fetal sheep, fetoscopic repair using a sealed patch results in simple, fast, satisfactory neural tube closure and averts neurological damage and Chiari malformation. © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 171-176 |
Journal | European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology |
Volume | 156 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2011 |
Keywords
- Fetal research
- Fetoscopy
- Myelomeningocele
- Sheep