The Role of Prenatal Surgery in Myelomeningocele: Outcomes and Future Directions

INTRODUCTION Myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida, involves the protrusion of the spinal cord and meninges through a vertebral defect due to a failure of neural tube closure during embryogenesis.The incidence varies globally, with folic acid supplementation significantly reducing cases.The condition's etiology includes genetic and environmental factors, and prenatal screening through ultrasonography and fetal MRI is crucial for early detection and management planning.The historical treatment approach of postnatal surgery has evolved with the advent of prenatal surgical techniques, which have shown improved outcomes but come with ethical and technical challenges.OBJETIVE To evaluate the efficacy of intrauterine surgery in reducing neurological deficits and review the advancements in prenatal diagnostic techniques and their impact on management strategies in myelomeningocele patients.METHODS This is a narrative review which included studies in the