Baby Operated on for Spina Bifida at Center of Controversy
Nashville -- Early in November, Dr. Joseph P. Bruner, director of fetal diagnosis and treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, performed a miracle surgery in the womb of a 21-week old unborn child to correct spina bifida.
The procedure resulted in a wave of media attention about a picture showing the unborn child's hand reaching out of the womb during the surgery. Internet columnist Matt Drudge attempted to show the picture on his Fox News Channel program, which subsequently cost him his job.
Earlier this month, the baby in question, Samuel, was born. His parents have written the following progress report:
Dear Friends and Family,
Samuel arrived on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 6:25 pm at Northside Hospital weighing 5 lbs 11 oz and 20 1/2 " long. He was born at 36 weeks but came into the world screaming his head off! He did not have to spend any time in a neonatal unit and came home with us on Monday, Dec. 6. After viewing an ultrasound of his brain, Samuel's neurosurgeon was very optimistic as he does not have any hydrocephalus and the brain malformation has resolved. He is moving his legs very well from the hips and some from the knees. He was frank breech (folded in half) in the womb and the orthopedist feels that he has a good chance for walking. He will begin physical therapy next week in order to work out some of the stiffness in his legs that was a result of his being folded in half in the womb. He is also nursing very well.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are happier than we ever dreamed possible!
All our love,
Julie, Alex and Samuel Armas
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