Baby with brain growing OUTSIDE his head is saved by groundbreaking surgery

THE parents of a little boy born with a rare skull condition were told by doctors their son wouldn’t survive – until miracle surgery saved his life.

By Clara Strunck

Bentley Yoder was diagnosed with Encephalocele – a serious condition which causes gaps in the developing skull, letting the brain grown outside – while in the womb.

The birth defect affects approximately one to four babies per 100,000 in the US and can be life threatening.

Doctors gave Bentley a grim prognosis and told his parents he wouldn’t live long past birth, if he even reached that far.

INCREDIBLE: Bentley survived despite his serious birth defect

In fact, many medical professionals advised Sierra and Dustin Yoder to abort their child, but they refused.

Sierra said: “It was a very dark time. There was no hope he would survive.”

Amazingly, Bentley lived through his birth and his brave mum and dad have never given up hope to one day find a cure for their son. 

LOVING: Father Dustin Yoder holds Bentley in hospital after his birth

Now, their perseverance has paid off.

Reconstructive surgery that successfully inserted almost all of Bentley’s brain back into his skull has given him a new chance in life.

The amazing operation was performed by Dr John Meara and Dr Mark Proctor at the Boston Children’s Hospital in the US.

HAPPIER TIMES: The Yoder family are doing well after Bentley's operation

FAMILY: Bentley (right) and his brother Beau play together in the park

Despite describing Bentley’s case as “severe”, the doctors were able to complete the surgery with the help of a 3D model of Bentley’s head.

It has been nearly a month since Bentley had his operation and the baby boy is now seven months old.

His mum and dad are thrilled with his progress and can’t believe how well their son is doing.

BAD OUTLOOK: Encephalocele sufferers usually have a poor life expectancy

Sierra said: “If he smiled any bigger, it would probably cover his whole face.”

Adding that she would always be glad she went with her instincts and kept going with the pregnancy, she said: “As a mother, you have to trust your gut. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have my son right now.”

She also has nothing but praise for the doctors that had faith in her and Bentley, saying: “How do you say thank you to someone for saving your child’s life?”