Prenatal myelomeningocele repair by open surgery can improve the neurological prognosis of children with this condition. A shift towards a fetoscopic approach seems to reduce maternal risks and improve obstetric outcomes.

The aim of this study was to report on the anaesthetic management of women undergoing prenatal open or fetoscopic surgery for neural tube defects.

Intra-uterine foetal repairs of spina bifida between 2011 and 2016 were reviewed. Anaesthetic and vasoconstrictor drugs, fluid therapy, maternal haemodynamic changes during surgery, blood gas changes during CO2 insufflation for fetoscopic surgery, and maternal and foetal complications were noted.