“Iran can be compared with the most developed nations in terms of life-saving surgical treatments for fetuses,” she told the English-language paper Iran Daily in an exclusive interview.
Iran is the only country in the region with the know-how for in-the-womb surgeries, she said.
“One or two fetal surgeries have so far been performed in hospitals in the UAE by foreign surgeons,” she noted, adding high-quality operations are performed by Iranian surgeons in Shiraz, Fars Province.
Surgeries on infants — while they are still in the mother’s womb — are routine in Europe, the specialist said.
She added Spain is the leader of such surgeries in Europe.
“Fetuses have two types of diseases: Congenital and organic. Certain congenital disorders can be cured after birth. For example, some infants are born with imperforated anus that can be opened through surgical intervention after birth.
“Some surgeries can be conducted years after birth. For instance, surgical treatments in infants suffering from Ventricular Septal Defect Syndrome can be postponed to years after birth,” Dr. Chaichian said.
She noted, however, certain birth defects must be attended to immediately.
“Sometimes, infants need to go under the knife while they are still in the womb, as any delay may be fatal.”
Chaichian said fetal surgeries must be conducted within a specific time frame to save babies, lower the impacts of diseases and help them lead a healthy life.
“Fetuses with hydrocephalus were stillborn until few years ago when in-the-womb surgeries were not in vogue. The condition occurs when fluid builds up in the skull and causes swelling in the brain. With prompt diagnosis, the water can be taken out through mother’s womb and save the fetus,” she said.
Incompatibility between mother and baby RH is another disorder that needs surgical attention, Dr. Chaichian said.
“Mother-fetus RH incompatibility may damage the red cells of fetus and lead to other long-term complications,” she said.
Chiachian said in case RH incompatibility is diagnosed, blood is injected into the womb to prevent the progress of the disorder.
“Other complications that can be cured through surgical attention before birth are those afflicting the digestive system,” she said, adding some health problems that affect the infant’s digestive system can lead to death by preventing weight gain.
Dr. Chaichian said diagnosis of imperfections at younger ages is very important to reduce the health effects.
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Tehran, Oct 26, IRNA - Fetal surgeries are performed with a high rate of success in Iran, said Dr. Shahla Chaichian, member of Iranian Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
