of their fetal surgeons, often receiving immediate call backs, even in the middle of the night whenever there was a development in their case. The center is staffed and supported for surgical or medical intervention 24/7, 365 days a year, with senior physicians always available to discuss diagnoses and care plans with patients or their providers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the end, Tuff proved to be a remarkably fitting and prescient nickname for Luke. During his first fetal surgery, he was diagnosed with complete obstruction of the urethra, a rare and severe case of LUTO associated with an expected survival rate of under 10 percent. A multidisciplinary team of surgeons performed an ultrasound-guided fetal bladder tap to alleviate the pressure inside Luke’s bladder, and then placed his vesicoamniotic shunt.
underwent a vesicotomy at four days old. Afterwards and remarkably, he was found to have normal renal function. Over 5 years old now, Luke has some challenges, including chro kidney disease, but he continues to live up to his reputation. “He is thriving and meeting every physical and cognitive milestone,” Kate said. “There are probably more surgeries in our future, but every time I see him smile, I know that we made the best possible choices, and I would do it all over again.”
It’s with great pride and privilege that Texas Children’s Fetal Center cares for patients like the Vela family, delivering the highest-quality care across the full spectrum of needs, for the best possible outcomes. To learn more about Texas Children’s Fetal Center, please visit women.texas childrens.org/fetal or call 832-822-BABY (2229) with any questions you may have.
The surgery was a success, but Luke and Kate had to undergo the procedure twice in order to meet the demands of Luke’s growth. At 34 weeks, Luke was delivered via planned cesarean section at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. His completely obstructed urethra made it impossible to catheterize him, so Luke
top to bottom: the whole Texas Children's team; Dr. Lee providing an ultrasound; Luke Vela, his mother Kate, and Fetal Center Nurse Coordinator, Jayme Pack
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