A British woman has undergone pioneering fetal surgery in Texas to treat her unborn baby diagnosed with complex gastroschisis, a condition where the intestines develop outside the body.
Maisie Savage, 29, from London, traveled to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston after her son, Theo, was diagnosed with the condition during a 20-week scan. The couple was referred by medics at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Doctors utilized keyhole surgery techniques to access the fetus in Ms Savage's womb at 26 weeks pregnant. The procedure involved draining amniotic fluid and replacing it with carbon dioxide to create space for the delicate operation, allowing surgeons to reposition Theo's intestines back into his abdomen.
Dr. Michael Belfort, who led the surgical team, described the outcome as "just remarkable." Theo was born naturally in Texas and is now five months old. He is reportedly doing well and is considered to be a "completely normal baby."
Ms Savage and Theo's father, Josh French, 36, expressed immense relief and gratitude for the successful treatment. They described the diagnosis as "incredibly scary" and the decision to undergo the procedure as "a huge decision."
Theo is the third baby globally to participate in a clinical trial for this specific fetal surgical intervention. The family praised the exceptional care received from both the London and Texas medical teams, noting how their support eased a traumatic period.
