April 2026: Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital has successfully performed a minimally invasive fetoscopic keyhole repair for spina bifida, the first-ever procedure of this kind at the hospital. Unlike traditional open fetal surgery used in similar cases, this advanced in utero procedure was completed using a minimally invasive approach.
This achievement marks a significant advancement in maternal and fetal care in the UAE, expanding in-country capability to manage complex prenatal conditions and reducing the need for families to seek treatment abroad.
Spina bifida is a congenital condition in which a baby’s spine and spinal cord do not close properly during early pregnancy. It affects approximately 1 in every 1,000 pregnancies globally and, in severe cases, can lead to lifelong disability, including paralysis and neurological complications. Evidence shows that repairing the defect before birth improves mobility and reduces the need for postnatal surgery to treat hydrocephalus, a serious condition caused by fluid buildup in the brain.
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Previously, such procedures have been performed through open uterine surgery, which requires a larger abdominal incision. Although effective in treating the condition, the technique involves a more extensive recovery for the mother and careful management of future pregnancies. The introduction of the fetoscopic approach at Danat Al Emarat marks a significant step forward in treating complex conditions before birth. Performed through small keyhole incisions with specialized instruments and high-definition imaging, the technique reduces surgical impact on the mother, supports faster recovery and preserves uterine integrity while maintaining the intended fetal outcomes.
Dr. Summia Zaher, CEO of Danat Al Emarat Hospital, said: “Introducing fetoscopic fetal surgery to the UAE means families facing complex diagnoses can access advanced care at a critical moment, without the added burden of travelling abroad. It also enables greater continuity of care, with patients supported by the same specialised teams before, during and after treatment.”
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The complex five-hour procedure was carried out by Dr. Ghalia Almahri, Consultant and Department Head of Fetal Medicine at Danat Al Emarat, and a multidisciplinary team of maternal-fetal medicine specialists, pediatric neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists and neonatal experts.
Dr. Ghalia Almahri said: “Fetal intervention can change the course of a child’s life before birth. The ability to perform this repair fetoscopically reflects how far specialized care has advanced in the UAE, enabling less invasive treatment for complex conditions. It sets a new benchmark for fetal surgery and the outcomes we can achieve.”
