Spina Bifida
Pioneers in caring for babies with fetal conditions
The Spina Bifida Care team at Monroe Carell is known around the world for pioneering spina bifida fetal surgery. Since our first in-utero repair of spina bifida in 1997, Vanderbilt has continued offering the latest treatments to babies and their families. The research we do here continues to improve the care we provide in our hospital and clinics. Monroe Carell's pediatric specialists in neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology, gastroenterology and nutrition, and rehabilitation work together to transition your child into adult care. We also have a patient care coordinator, social worker and research coordinator who may meet with you in our clinic.
Some babies at Monroe Carell are treated for spina bifida after birth, but still receive the same level of specialized care.
Your guide to pediatric surgery locations at Vanderbilt
Learn what you need to know to prepare for a visit to one of our ...
Conditions We Treat
Meet Your Care Team
Your complete clinic care team includes a clinic coordinator, registered dietitian and social worker.
Kelly A. BennettMD, MS
- Fetal Anomalies in Pregnancy, Gynecology, High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Fetal Medicine (High Risk Pregnancy)
Stephane A. BraunMD
- Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Cleft Lip and Palate, Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida, Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Lisa L. LachenmyerMSN, PNP
- Esophageal Diseases, Functional Bowel Disorder, Nutrition, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Craig R. LouerJr, MD
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Pediatric Limb Differences, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Pediatric Orthopaedics and Surgery, Pediatric Spinal Surgery, Spine
Jeffrey E. MartusMD, MS
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Pediatric Limb Differences, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Pediatric Orthopaedics and Surgery, Pediatric Spinal Surgery, Spine
Christopher M. BonfieldMD
- Congenital Malformations of the Brain and Spinal Cord, Craniofacial Surgery, Neurologic Surgery, Neurological Disorders, Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Orthopaedics, Pediatric Neurologic Surgery
John C. WellonsIII, MD, MSPH
- Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury, Compression or Tumors, Congenital Malformations of the Brain and Spinal Cord, Neurological Surgery, Neurosciences, Pediatric Neurologic Surgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Stroke and Cerebrovascular
Cyrus M. AdamsMD, MS
- Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery, Laparoscopy and Robotics, Neurogenic Bladder, Pediatric Urology, Urology
Douglass B. ClaytonMD
- Laparoscopy and Robotics, Neurogenic Bladder, Pediatric Urology, Urinary Incontinence, Urodynamics, Urology
Why Choose Spina Bifida Care at Monroe Carell
- Pioneering surgery
Vanderbilt pioneered in utero repair of myelomeningocele, a type of spina bifida, in 1997. A seven-year National Institutes of Health-funded trial, Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), showed a clear benefit for babies who undergo fetal surgery to treat spina bifida.
- Transition to adult care
Pediatric specialists from across Monroe Carell take part in caring for your child as they grow and adapt after surgery. In addition to dedicated care from our urology and orthopaedics teams, we include occupational and physical therapy to guide your child through development. Upon reaching age 18, your child's care will seamlessly transition to our adult medicine colleagues.
- Partnership in care
Doctors referring patients to the Spina Bifida Clinic can access care plans through a familiar and trusted source. Our goal is to work with your family and primary care doctor to help your child reach his or her highest level of health and independence. We care for you and your child from before birth to the transition to adulthood.
- Clinical trials
Because we are part of an academic medical center, we offer access to some of the most promising new treatments and therapies being tested in clinical trials. Participating in a clinical trial is always optional. Find a clinical trial.
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Endoscopic third ventriculostomy
- Low-radiation orthopaedic imaging
- Postnatal surgery
- Prenatal surgery
- Robotic assisted bladder surgery
Locations
Prenatal visits take place in the Reed Family Maternal Fetal Clinic. Annual spina bifida visits with our multidisciplinary team take place at the spina bifida clinic. Subspecialty follow-up visits may take place in another clinic such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Orthopaedics. Check your My Health at Vanderbilt account to ensure you know the location of your next clinic visit.