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Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics: Fetal Surgery and Therapy

International fetal surgery programme

We have long led the world in fetal surgery and continue to research and develop new techniques.

25 years of experience

Pioneers in fetal surgery and an accumulated experience of more than 2,000 fetal surgeries. We treat more than 100 cases each year.

At the forefront of fetal surgery

We have first performed several new fetal operations and contributed to the development of many others.

Minimally invasive procedures

We have a consolidated experience in a full range of minimally invasive procedures carried out on both mother and fetus.

Research is a priority for us

We publish our own data on operation times and pregnancy outcomes for most currently offered operations, being at the forefront of research and development.

A recognized referral centre

In BCNatal's clinical activity in the Women's Area of SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital  we have saved hundreds of lives even before they started, caring for mothers and their unborn children from near and far.

Fetal surgery referents

We are experts in fetal problems and every year thousands of families are referred to us, not only from the local area but also from around the world. In Spain, we are responsible for a relevant part of fetal surgeries performed.

Comprehensive care from before birth

We are structured in multidisciplinary clinical units with fetal medicine and pediatric specialists to offer comprehensive counselling and care for a child before its birth and throughout its childhood. For instance, every year our Fetal Cardiology team, comprising fetal medicine and pediatric cardiologist specialists, take care of 200 babies with congenital heart defects that are prenatally diagnosed.

We continue with our patients after birth

The pediatric specialists and surgeons at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital are involved in our clinical units, which offer state-of the-art clinical care for all pediatric problems after birth. In our multidisciplinary Fetal Medicine Session, all complex cases are discussed by all relevant specialists to ensure that the maximum expertise informs decisions on management and therapy.

In 2015, full of fear and uncertainty, we turned to the fetal surgery medical team. We put our son's life in their hands with absolute confidence because of their experience and research. Thanks to the team at the Hospital, which we visit regularly, we can say that our son is cured. The research, the fact of forming a parent-doctor team, the determination and confidence that they always conveyed to us, have made Daniel's a success story.
Alejandra Vázquez, Daniel's mother
The most sophisticated part of fetal medicine is surgery during pregnancy, specifically on the fetus. This option was considered science fiction until 20 years ago, but now we can carry it out thanks to technology.
Eduard Gratacós, director of BCNatal
See more (Spanish report from minute 30)
Surgeries performed
> 2,000
Operations annually
100-130
Years of experience
25

Main conditions

Spina bifida

We ensure the best experience through follow-up and accompaniment during the whole process.

It is not covered by public health

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Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

We are pioneers and experts in the prenatal treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

It is not covered by public health

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CHAOS syndrome and other problems of airway obstruction

We are specialists in the complex treatment of airway obstruction problems by fetal surgery.

It is not covered by public health

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Face and neck fetal tumors

We performed the first national fetal surgery for this complication 20 years ago and have been leaders in this area ever since.

It is not covered by public health

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Monochorionic twin pregnancy complications: Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

We are pioneers in TTTS surgeries and research, developing studies, improving treatment techniques and classification systems.

It is not covered by public health

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Monochorionic twin pregnancy complications: TRAP sequence

Our multidisciplinary team of experts offers the best care and treatment options for this rare condition of monochorionic twin pregnancies.

It is not covered by public health

Monochorionic twin pregnancy complications: Other.

We have vast experience in the different treatment options for monochorionic twin pregnancy complications.

It is not covered by public health

Monochorionic twin pregnancy complications: Selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR)

Our team of surgeons has extensive experience in the treatment of all types of sIUGR, from milder to the most complex cases.

It is not covered by public health

Fetal urinary obstructions — LUTO

We use a pioneering system of 3D simulation of fetal urinary obstruction to practice a surgery before performing it, minimizing the necessary surgical time and the associated risks.

It is not covered by public health

Prenatal therapy for heart defects

Thanks to the broad expertise of our surgeons we are one of the few centers in the world that can offer fetal therapy for heart defects.

It is not covered by public health

Amniotic bands

Our prenatal team works with a large number of trained specialists on the postnatal treatment of such injuries.

It is not covered by public health

Fetal anemia

We have more than 30 years of experience in the treatment of fetal anemia and have performed more than 1,000 intrauterine transfusions.

It is not covered by public health

Pleural effusion or hydrothorax

We have more than 20 years of experience in the treatment of fetal hydrothorax, a rare complication for which an experienced team is crucial.

It is not covered by public health

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SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital is a non-profit organization