A model for in utero endoscopic treatment of myelomeningocele.
An animal model for intrauterine surgical treatment of myelomeningocele is described using sheep. We report the technical feasibility of endoscopic intrauterine skin graft placement over surgically induced defects, including over exposed spinal cord. These grafts exclude amniotic fluid from the underlying lesion and provide a matrix for fetal skin growth below the graft. The potential for human application is discussed.
Copeland
M L
ML
Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Bruner
J P
JP
Richards
W O
WO
Sundell
H W
HW
Tulipan
N B
NB
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020702:Hysteroscopes; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012756:Sheep; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology