LONDON: An unborn baby in the UK has undergone a successful fetal repair surgery on her spine while still in her mothers womb. Bethan Simpson, 26, was informed that her unborn daughter, Eloise, had spina bifida, a birth defect wherein the developing babys spinal cord does not develop properly, at her 20-week scan.

Simpson has become one of the first mothers in the UK to undergo the fetal repair surgery. Over a four-hour surgery, her womb was opened and her babys bottom exposed, allowing the surgeons to repair a tiny hole in her lower spine.

Simpson said that she couldnt justify terminating a child she could feel kicking. The procedure was deemed successful and the baby is due in April. The operation at 24 weeks involved opening her womb and lifting the baby into position to repair the hole, and repositioning the babys spinal cord.

She was approved for surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in December following a series of tests and scans. The hospitals lead neurosurgeon, Dominic Thompson, described the operation as an incredible journey. He said that until now, when people got this news, there were only two options – either to continue with the pregnancy or termination. This offers a third option now.

Simpson said that she came out of surgery at one oclock and could feel the baby moving that evening. She said that it was reassuring to feel the first kick after the anesthetic wore off.

Simpson is thought to be the fourth patient to undergo the surgery in the UK, with the procedure mostly being done in Belgium and the United States.

From April, the procedure will be available on the government-run National Health Service in England.

Dr Thompson said that it is not a cure, but there is evidence from critical trials that the outlook can be better with surgery early on. Simpson urged parents in her position to consider surgery and try every option. (PTI)