Fetal surgery for spina bifida is intended to decrease the disabilities associated with spina bifida by protecting the fetuses previously exposed spinal tissue from additional damage by the amniotic fluid and intrauterine movement. Doctors say this procedure cannot restore neurological function, which has already been lost, but it may prevent additional loss from occurring due to the intrauterine environment (Fetal Surgery, Discover, 1999).

As an added and unexpected benefit, it was discovered that the procedure apparently affects the way the brain develops in utero, allowing certain malformations of the brain, typically associated with spina bifida, to correct themselves. Because of the malformation, traditionally more then 90% of children with spina bifida required a shunt to drain fluid off the brain. Research appears to indicate that children, whom have had fetal surgery for spina bifida, are less likely to require a shunt. Perhaps a 33% to 50% reduction in the need for shunts (Fetal Surgery, Discover, 1999).