They're holding hands
Baby Samuel had surgery as a tiny 21-week-old fetus. Why the surgery? Well, little Samuel needed it to correct spina bifida, a condition caused by the failure of the spine to close properly during development so that, at worst, the spinal cord protrudes. The resulting damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis or weakness of the legs; bowel and bladder incontinence; and often results in fluid on the brain, which causes severe brain damage, learning disabilities, and retardation.
Dr. Joseph Bruner performed the in utero operation at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee, USA) in 1999.
In this picture -- taken by Michael Clancy and which was marvelled at around the world after it was published on USA Today -- you see the tiny hand of Baby Samuel during the delicate procedure, through a tiny slit in the womb. Dr. Bruner instinctively takes his hand.
I tried to look for updates on how Samuel is doing but the most recent information I found is of him at 3 years old. The Free Republic website even has a nice photo of him with his mom, Julie.
If you'd like to read about the amazing experience of Samuel's parents, Alex and Julie Armas, and/or know more details about the medical procedure, it's all here.
posted by sunnyday at 5:31 PM
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