Guardian is given unique access to observe procedure that can radically improve outcomes for babies with spina bifida
mily Ellis flicks through photos of her four-day-old baby, Austin, on her phone. “He is perfect,” she says with the certainty of any new parent. But the journey to his arrival has been more complicated than most. Austin has spina bifida and is one of a growing number of babies in the UK to have undergone a pioneering foetal surgery that is transforming outcomes for infants with the condition.
In spina bifida, the spine does not close fully during development, leaving a hole in the back and the spinal cord exposed. Until recently, parents had to wait until a baby was born for corrective surgery.
unit , where Austin has just had his first bottle-feed, the Guardian observed another mother and baby undergo the procedure, an experience that is not for the faint-hearted. Relaxed chatting makes way for hushed concentration as the laparoscopic camera enters the port, illuminating the uterus from within like a red globe marbled with vessels. The baby’s world comes into focus on three large screens, which will be used to guide the surgery. A large blister-like bubble, the spina bifida defect, is visible on the baby’s back.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thirty years of Burning Love: fans flock to Parkes Elvis festival in AustraliaGuardian Australia photographer Mike Bowers travels to the 2023 Parkes Elvis festival for its 30th anniversary
Read more »
Young people don’t hate their bodies because they are weak – but because capitalism demands it | Zoe WilliamsFrom buccal fat to cellulite, anything innate to humans that can be made into a problem will create a market for the solution, says Guardian columnist Zoe Williams
Read more »
Surge in IAG reinsurance costs hides a sting for ANZ-Suncorp dealOPINION: The increasing frequency of natural perils is forcing reinsurers to use more of their own capital to cover losses. That may be an issue for regulators looking into the Suncorp Bank sale.
Read more »
Supermarket prices set to skyrocket: Why your grocery bill is about to surgeAustralians are being warned grocery prices could continue to rise in 2023, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite into family finances. 7NEWS
Read more »
China drops quarantine for visitors as lunar new year travel kicks off amid Covid surgeVirus outbreaks tipped to worsen as mainland China opens border to Hong Kong on Sunday and millions begin holiday-period travel
Read more »
‘Maybe we cried too much’: Walgreens hints it exaggerated shoplifting surgeFinancial chief James Kehoe admits company may have overstated purported problem, which fueled rightwing outrage over crime
Read more »