Fetal Medicine Expert in UAE Performs Groundbreaking Spina Bifida Surgery at Burjeel Hospital

In a momentous medical achievement, Dr. Mandeep Singh, a highly skilled fetal medicine expert of Indian origin based in the UAE, has successfully conducted a groundbreaking in-utero procedure on a pregnant patient from South America. This complex surgery, performed at the Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, has the potential to be life-changing for the unborn baby. Let's delve into the challenges of the medical condition treated, Dr. Mandeep's expertise in fetal medicine, and the exceptional capabilities of Burjeel Hospital.

Dr. Mandeep is the Director of Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine & Therapy Center based at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi.

The patient from Colombia suffered from spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal bones do not form properly, leading to the spinal cord being exposed to amniotic fluid. This condition can result in permanent disability, including the loss of bowel and urinary bladder control, paralysis, or weakness in lower limb muscles. The worldwide incidence of spina bifida is one per 1,000 births, making it a relatively rare but highly impactful condition.

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Dr. Mandeep Singh, a renowned fetal medicine expert with family roots in Mumbai, is the driving force behind this pioneering surgical achievement. Having trained under the esteemed Prof. Kypros Nicolaides, known as the 'Father of Fetal Medicine,' Dr. Singh possesses unparalleled expertise in this specialized field. With 22 years of experience, including a substantial tenure in the UK, he is among a select few surgeons in the world trained to perform in-utero spina bifida repair.

The in-utero spina bifida procedure was conducted at Burjeel Medical City's Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine and Therapy Center in Abu Dhabi. This world-class medical facility is renowned for its high-risk maternity and delivery care. Burjeel Medical City houses cutting-edge technology and a team of specialized professionals, making it one of the most advanced centers for fetal medicine in the world.

The in-utero spina bifida repair involves a highly complex procedure performed between 19-25 weeks of gestation. Dr. Singh led a six-member medical team in making a small incision on the mother's uterus, exposing the baby's back, and skillfully closing the spina bifida defect with a synthetic patch. The amniotic fluid is then reintroduced into the cavity, and the uterus is closed. The baby continues to develop in the womb until delivery, which is scheduled via caesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation.

Although the surgery is not a complete cure for spina bifida, it significantly reduces the risk of motor function loss in limbs and improves outcomes after birth. After delivery, the newborn will receive specialized care from a team of neonatologists, pediatric urologists, pediatric orthopedics, and rehabilitation experts.

Dr. Mandeep Singh's groundbreaking in-utero spina bifida procedure marks a historic moment in the medical field. His expertise, combined with the state-of-the-art facilities at Burjeel Medical City, has opened up new possibilities for parents worldwide seeking advanced treatment for their unborn children. With a strong commitment to advancing fetal medicine, Dr. Singh envisions a future where such specialized treatments will become more accessible globally, eliminating the need for families to travel abroad for critical medical care.