Fetal Surgery services offered in Chicago, IL
When a baby requires surgery before birth, families often face some of the most challenging moments of their lives. At these times, having the right team can make all the difference. In Chicago and across the Tri-State area, families and referring providers alike turn to Dr. Suwan Mehra, MD, for his expertise, compassion, and collaborative approach. Through his namesake practice, Dr. Mehra offers advanced fetal surgical care while working closely with obstetricians, other maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and pediatric teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby. Every step of the way, families are supported with empathy, clarity, and hope.
Fetal surgery is a specialized field of medicine that involves treating certain conditions in a baby before birth. These procedures are performed while the baby is still in the womb and are designed to improve outcomes by addressing problems early in development. Some conditions, if left untreated, can worsen during pregnancy or lead to serious complications after birth.
While the idea of surgery during pregnancy can be daunting, families are never alone in this journey. Fetal surgery is performed by highly trained teams who work in close partnership with parents, referring physicians, and pediatric specialists. Together, we guide each family with care, expertise, and hope—always focused on doing what’s best for both mother and baby.
Fetal surgery relies on advanced technology and years of physician experience. Dr. Mehra brings a wealth of knowledge to his practice while continuing to seek out opportunities to learn more about the latest advancements in fetal surgery. Combining cutting edge technology with his extensive fetal surgical experience, Dr. Mehra provides the precision and skill necessary to offer the best outcomes to his patients.
Fetal surgery can be an effective treatment option for certain birth defects, offering the potential to improve outcomes before birth. When concerns are identified during prenatal screening, parents collaborate closely with Dr. Mehra to explore all available options. If fetal surgery is appropriate, families receive detailed guidance on the procedure, what to expect, and the potential risks and benefits involved.
Some conditions that fetal surgery can address are:
These are just some of the conditions that Dr. Mehra may be able to address through fetal surgery. During your visit, he takes the time to walk you through every option—discussing the potential risks and benefits with clarity and compassion. This thoughtful approach empowers families to make the most informed decisions for their child, knowing that every possible path has been carefully considered. In moments of uncertainty, Dr. Mehra provides not only expert care, but also peace of mind—ensuring that families move forward with confidence, comforted by the unwavering support of a dedicated and compassionate care team.
Minimally invasive fetal surgery allows doctors to treat certain conditions before birth using tiny instruments and small incisions, reducing risk for both mother and baby. One common approach is called fetoscopy, in which a slender camera—called a fetoscope—is gently inserted through the mother’s abdomen and into the uterus. This allows the surgical team to see the baby and placenta in real time and perform delicate procedures without the need for a large incision in the uterus.
These techniques can be used to treat conditions like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), spina bifida, and other complications, often with shorter recovery times and lower risks than traditional open fetal surgery. Throughout the process, families are closely supported—Dr. Mehra and his team work hand-in-hand with referring providers to guide each parent with clear information, compassionate care, and the shared goal of doing what’s best for both mother and baby.
