Intrauterine myelomeningocele repair.

Preliminary studies have suggested that IUMR reduces the incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus and the severity of the Chiari malformation. An RCT is in progress to confirm these results. Future efforts will revolve around refinement of the procedure with the goal of reducing risk. Robot-assisted surgery holds the promise of achieving this goal. If it is successful. IUMR might well become the standard therapy for myelomeningocele, resulting in a significant reduction in the devastating morbidity associated with this disease.