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India's First Open Fetal Surgery Performed at AIIMS
14 Nov
Summary
- AIIMS Delhi conducted India's first open fetal surgery on an unborn baby.
- The complex procedure repaired a severe spinal defect at 25 weeks' gestation.
- This groundbreaking surgery aims to prevent lifelong neurological disabilities.
In a groundbreaking medical achievement for India, AIIMS, Delhi successfully performed an open fetal surgery on November 12, 2026. This procedure repaired a lumbosacral myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida, in an unborn baby at 25 weeks of gestation.
The six-hour operation, a first for India, involved meticulous multidisciplinary planning by over 30 clinicians. The goal was to address the spinal defect while the fetus was still in the womb, aiming to prevent further damage and reduce potential lifelong neurological disabilities.
This pioneering surgery establishes a crucial new capability in fetal care and pediatric neurosurgery within India. While not a cure, prenatal repair in carefully selected cases can limit ongoing neural tissue injury and improve certain neurological outcomes, according to experts.
The procedure was conducted free of cost under a government program. Both the mother and fetus are undergoing continuous monitoring, highlighting the comprehensive care approach at AIIMS for such complex cases.
