Table 1.  Criteria for Fetal Surgery (adapted from Harrison 1982).

1. Accurate diagnosis and staging possible, with exclusion of associated anomalies

2. Natural history of the disease is documented, and prognosis established.

3. Currently no effective postnatal therapy.

4. In utero surgery proven feasible in animal models, reversing deleterious effects of the condition.

5. Interventions performed in specialised multidisciplinary fetal treatment centres within strict protocols and approval of the local Ethics Committee with informed consent of the mother or parents.