Indonesia performs first successful open fetal surgery

Indonesia has achieved a medical milestone with the successful completion of its first open fetal surgery to treat myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida. The procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team from RSAB Harapan Kita, acting as the National Center for Women and Children’s Health, in collaboration with the Mater Mothers’ Hospital from Brisbane, Australia.

Myelomeningocele is a congenital defect where the spine and nerve tissues do not close properly during fetal development, potentially leading to paralysis, nerve dysfunction, bladder and bowel issues, and hydrocephalus. The surgery involves administering anesthesia to the mother, performing a controlled opening of the uterus to access and repair the fetus, and then closing the uterus to return the fetus to the womb.

Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono stated that this breakthrough demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Indonesian medical professionals and technology in managing congenital disorders while the fetus is still in the womb.