Fetal Surgery

This image captures the hand of a 21 week old fetus as its gently returned to the womb at the conclusion of fetal surgery.

This amazing surgery literally corrects fetal abnormalities such as spinal bifida while the fetus is in the womb.

The uterus is exposed as in a cesarean section, opened and the surgery is performed through an incision in the uterus which is then closed and the abdomen of the mother is also closed similar to the closing of a c-section.

Amazingly, when the child is born there is no evidence of surgery.

This picture was the subject of misinformation when originally published in newspapers as the fetus appears to be grasping the surgeons hand, however as the surgeon confirmed, that is not possible as mother and hence fetus are both anesthetized.