PhD defence C.C. (Charlotte) Kik

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

This thesis focuses on fetal surgery for open spina bifida, a condition in which the spine and spinal cord of an unborn child do not fully close. This can lead to paralysis, problems with movement, bladder and bowel function, and sometimes brain abnormalities. Fetal surgery can improve nervous system development and reduce complications after birth. The research covers five areas: how the condition develops without early brain abnormalities, the potential of robot-assisted surgery on models, global differences in surgical strategies, current outcomes from a national surgery center, and the risk of complications such as tethered spinal cord. The findings show large variations between centers worldwide, both in who receives surgery and how it is performed and followed up in the womb. Robot-assisted surgery shows promise in making these procedures safer and more precise. These insights help doctors make better decisions, encourage standardized outcome measures, and improve care and outcomes for mothers and unborn children.