Dell Children's Performs First In Utero Fetal Surgery

The Austin hospital successfully completed a specialized procedure to treat a neural tube defect in a fetus.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Children’s Health

A sterile, brightly lit surgical suite with a professional operating table and medical equipment, showing a modern clinical environment. — Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin has successfully performed its first in utero fetal surgery to treat a neural tube defect. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Dell Children's Medical Center has performed the first in utero fetal surgery in Austin to treat myelomeningocele. This condition occurs when the spinal canal fails to close during pregnancy, a form of spina bifida.

Why it matters

Early surgical repair of this defect can help preserve a child's motor function. It also reduces potential long-term complications like Chiari II malformation and the necessity for shunt placement.

The surgery represents the first instance of this in utero procedure at the Comprehensive Fetal Care Center. Clinical teams typically confirm the diagnosis through second-trimester ultrasounds and fetal MRI.

The players

Dell Children's Medical Center

This is a specialized pediatric hospital that provides advanced healthcare services to children across Central Texas.

Alireza Shamshirsaz

He is a medical specialist who led the surgical team during this pioneering fetal procedure.

The details

The surgical team, led by Alireza Shamshirsaz, performed the procedure directly on the fetus while in the uterus. This highly specialized intervention follows the creation of a personalized care plan developed after imaging confirms the defect.

Second trimester: The period when ultrasounds and fetal MRI are used for initial diagnosis.

The Big Picture

The establishment of the Comprehensive Fetal Care Center at Dell Children's reflects a shift toward offering high-acuity pediatric surgical care locally in Austin. This surgery marks the center's first successful application of in utero techniques, demonstrating its expanding clinical capabilities.

Families in Central Texas now have local access to highly specialized fetal surgical interventions that were previously unavailable in the region. This development allows for earlier treatment of congenital conditions, potentially improving long-term health outcomes for infants.

The takeaway

Advancements in fetal surgery allow medical teams to correct specific defects while the fetus is still in the uterus. Such early intervention remains a critical option for families seeking to improve potential motor development outcomes in cases of spina bifida.