Conditions
Nationwide Children’s is one of only a few fetal centers in the Midwest, and across the United States, to offer a full range of fetal therapies, including fetal intervention and fetal surgery, to treat conditions such as:
Cervical Teratoma (Giant Neck Mass)
A giant neck mass is an abnormal growth of the neck. There are two different types of masses including cervical teratomas and lymphatic malformations. The cause of it is unknown, but it can be treated.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), is a rare congenital condition where the muscles in the diaphragm do not grow together, leaving a hole. The hole allows the intestines and other organs (stomach, liver) to move up into the baby's chest. When this happens, it makes it hard for the lungs to grow.
Congenital Lung Lesions (CPAM, CCAM)
Congenital lung lesions are a group of conditions where part of the lung has an abnormal growth or mass. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration and congenital lobar emphysema are the most common types of congenital lung lesions.
Fetal Heart (Cardiac) Defect
A heart defect is when the heart or the heart's blood vessels do not grow (develop) the right way before birth. The words “congenital heart defect" and "congenital heart disease" both mean that the defect happened before the baby was born.
Sacrococcygeal Teratoma (SCT)
Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a tumor that forms on a baby's tailbone (coccyx). The tumors are usually not cancerous (benign) but can be life-threatening if not treated. SCT is rare, occurring in about 1 in 35,000-40,000 births. They are more common in males than females.
Spina Bifida and Myelomeningocele
Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect, a problem with the spinal cord or the structures that cover it. The neural tube normally closes during the early weeks of development and can occur at any point along the spine. Spina bifida occurs because of the neural tube not closing completely during development, causing a hole in some of the bones of the spine.
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
Identical twins who share one placenta may be at risk for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). The single placenta contains blood vessels going from one baby to the other. In TTTS, blood from the smaller donor twin is transferred to the larger recipient twin, causing an uneven exchange of blood.
