Fetal Surgery — Visit & Procedure Timeline
Pre-Consultation
Prior to your visit, your doctor will communicate with us regarding your suspected diagnosis and possible treatment options. If you may be a candidate for fetal surgery, we will set up an ultrasound and consultation with Dr. Chmait.
Please bring your I.D. and insurance card. Questions? Call 213-469-6277.
Consultation & Ultrasound Assessment
Arrive at 1300 N. Vermont, Suite 905 (Doctors Tower). You’ll meet our nursing coordinators who will answer immediate questions, then our sonographer will perform an ultrasound (may take up to 2 hours).
Dr. Chmait will review findings, prognosis, and treatment plan (surgical or non-surgical), and answer your questions.
Pre-Admission Testing
If proceeding with fetal surgery you’ll be scheduled for pre-op testing (same day or day of surgery). Registration and blood work are typically completed prior to surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery (NPO). You may have a regular dinner the night before. Remove jewelry except wedding ring.
Before Surgery (Admitting)
Present to Hollywood Presbyterian Admitting before scheduled time. An IV will be placed; brief ultrasound may be performed. A specialized nurse will accompany you to the OR.
During Surgery
In the OR you will be comfortable and relaxed with IV sedation and local anesthesia. Incisions are small (≈1/10 inch) and usually require only a band-aid. Surgery typically lasts 1–2 hours but may vary.
After Surgery
Monitored in recovery for at least 1 hour. Medication to relax the uterus may be given. Pain is usually minimal. Catheter removed ≈4 hours after arrival to room. Overnight observation may be required.
A follow-up ultrasound is performed bedside the next day. Most patients are discharged the morning after surgery.
Travel & Timing
Plan to be in Los Angeles ~2–3 days: consult & ultrasound day 1, surgery usually day 2, discharge day 3 (most patients).