World’s First Surgery On Newborn For Rare Ovarian Condition

Dr. Noa Ofek Shlomai, right, head of neonatology at Hadassah University Medical Center, holding the newborn who successfully underwent surgery to save her ovaries. From left are Dr. Shay Porat, director of the obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound service, and Dr. Dan Arbel, director of the pediatric oncology surgery department. PHOTO BY COURTESY/ HADASSAH

When Tamar Levy got a routine ultrasound in the 35th week of her pregnancy last February, she did not imagine that her unborn daughter would soon make history at Jerusalem’s Hadassah University Medical Center, which just released the details of the unusual event.

“The technician identified something abnormal in the abdominal cavity of my fetus, but she did not know exactly what it was. After consulting with my gynecologist, Dr. Marc Zerah, we were quickly sent to the emergency room at Hadassah Ein Kerem,” Levy said.