special feature
texas children’s fetal center® pioneers in the fetoscopic repair of spina bifida Successful surgery paves way for remarkable outcome Ashley and Jason Andruss were thrilled to find out they were expecting just a few months into their marriage. They excitedly began planning the nursery and thinking about what the future held for their child. Four months into the pregnancy, however, their doctor called with distressing news. An ultrasound showed signs that their child may have spina bifida, an opening in the middle of the baby’s spinal cord that was likely to limit movement from the knees down, possibly from the waist down, and may cause hydrocephalus, developmental delays, kidney and bowel issues for life. “It’s emotional whiplash,” Ashley said. “All of the hope and excitement turns into anxiety and trying to figure out how to give your child the best options in life.”
special editorial submitted by friend steward partners at texas children's fetal center® 6 connexions
Residents of Singleton, Texas, Ashley and Jason extensively researched fetal centers, procedures and outcomes before deciding what to do next. They learned Texas Children’s Fetal Center developed a new fetoscopic procedure for spina bifida that could reduce the chances of hydrocephalus, preserve the motor functions a child currently had, and reduce the invasiveness and risks associated with cutting the uterus open midterm. People were traveling across the country, even internationally, to Texas Children’s to undergo or learn how to perform the procedure.
