[Modification of the spectrum of neonatal surgery by prenatal diagnosis]

Abstract

Expansion of prenatal diagnosis will alter the spectrum of neonatal surgery. The ethos of the medical profession calls for decision in favour of the mother, whenever evidence can be produced to the effect that a severely damaged or nonviable foetus may endanger the health of the pregnant woman. Humanistically and legally warranted termination of pregnancy in such cases will reduce the number of severely malformed newborns on whom nothing can be done but palliative treatment. Early detection of foetal diseases will enable, on the other hand, well-timed preparation of acutely necessary life-saving interventions and will bring down the rate of emergency operations on newborns.