Minimally invasive fetoscopic procedure marks major milestone in maternal and fetal healthcare across the region
Abu Dhabi, UAE, April 2026 – SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, announced that Corniche Hospital has successfully performed a laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic repair for spina bifida, reflecting the UAE’s continued advancement in specialised fetal medicine and complex in-utero interventions.
Spina bifida is a congenital condition that occurs when the spinal cord and spine do not fully close during early pregnancy, leaving part of the spinal cord exposed. This exposure can lead to nerve damage and lifelong disabilities. Performing surgery on the baby in utero can improve postnatal outcomes, including enhanced mobility and reduced dependence on ventriculoperitoneal shunting.
The hybrid laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic approach used at Corniche Hospital offers the benefits of in-utero spinal closure while minimising risks to the mother. This approach also enables the mother to retain the possibility of future natural deliveries.
This successfully case reflects Corniche Hospital’s multidisciplinary expertise, involving close coordination between fetal medicine specialists, obstetric anaesthetists, and paediatric surgeons to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.
Dr. Werner Gerhard Diehl, Consultant Physician and Chair of the Fetal Medicine Department at SEHA Corniche Hospital, said: “This case demonstrates the potential of advanced fetal medicine to significantly improve outcomes in complex pregnancies. While spina bifida cannot be cured, offering this highly specialised procedure can meaningfully reduce complications for the baby after birth. In fetal medicine, the mother’s safety is always our first priority, and the laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic approach has less impact on future reproductive health compared with other surgical options. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced technology, we were able to intervene effectively and support the family through a very challenging diagnosis.”
Dr. Gareth James Waring, Consultant Physician – Foetal Medicine and Imaging at SEHA Corniche Hospital, added: “Timely diagnosis, advanced surgical expertise, and coordinated specialist care are essential to improving outcomes in high-risk pregnancies.”
As Corniche Hospital continues to expand its advanced fetal medicine services, SEHA remains committed to providing specialised, high-quality care closer to home, enabling families in the UAE to access complex in-utero treatment options without the need to travel abroad.
About PureHealth:
PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 110+ hospitals, 316+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.
PureHealth’s network comprises:
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- SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- SEHA CLINICS – Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services
- Daman (The National Insurance Company) – The UAE’s leading health insurer
- The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE
- Rafed – The UAE’s largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation
- PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region
- One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers
- The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi’s first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
- Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US
- Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK
- Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) – the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus
- PureCS – A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE’s largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care
About SEHA:
SEHA is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company operates a big number of the public hospitals and clinics of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is a PureHealth asset, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East.
SEHA is committed to the continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 15 hospitals with over 2,500 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers, and three blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 118,000 inpatients annually, conducting 46,800 surgeries, and treat more than 5.8 million outpatients
SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East, with more than 14,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel.
To find out more about SEHA’s specialized clinic, or book an appointment, call 80050 or visit SEHA.ae. You can also book an appointment through the SEHA mobile app, or WhatsApp 02 410 2200.
