Endoscopic techniques in fetal surgery.
10.3349/ymj.2001.42.6.695
- Author:
Roman M SYDORAK
1
;
Amar NIJAGAL
;
Craig T ALBANESE
Author Information
1. The Fetal Treatment Center, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, USA. albanesec@surgery.ucsf.edu
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Fetus;
fetal surgery;
fetoscopy;
minimal access surgery;
endoscopy
- MeSH:
Anesthesia;
Endoscopes;
Female;
Fetal Diseases/*surgery;
Fetoscopy/*methods;
Human;
Intraoperative Period;
Operating Rooms;
Pregnancy;
Tocolysis;
Ultrasonography, Prenatal
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2001;42(6):695-710
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Fetal endoscopic surgery (FETENDO) involves many techniques that allow surgical procedures to be performed inside the uterus without an hysterotomy. The impetus for developing these minimal access techniques for fetal surgery is the unusual occurrence with an open hysterotomy of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and maternal complications resulting from tocolytic therapy. The unique requirements of this approach necessitated a modification of existing endoscopic techniques, the development of novel fetoscopic instruments, and the inclusion of a wide variety of specialists. Technical expertise in the field and a natural evolution of techniques have given rise to innovative repairs previously not envisioned. Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia, diseases of monochorionic twins, and obstructive uropathy have already been successfully treated using fetoscopic surgical techniques. Fetoscopic correction of many other non-life threatening anomalies continues to evolve. The future of fetoscopic surgical intervention depends on the continual evolution of novel approaches to disease, the elucidation of the pathophysiology and treatment of other fetal disorders, and a better understanding of treatment of complications of such intervention.
