During fetal image-guided surgery, ultrasound is
used to guide instruments through the uterus in order to repair or correct a
disease or defect in an unborn fetus. The procedure uses narrow instruments
that are guided through the abdomen and uterus.
Also
Known As:
- Fetus surgery
- Fetus disease
repair
- Fetus defect
surgery
- Fetal
intervention
- Percutaneous
fetal intervention
- Intrauterine
surgery
- FIGS-IT
- Fetal image-guided
surgery for intervention or therapy
Conditions
Treated with Fetal Image-Guided Surgery:
Fetal image-guided surgery is utilized in cases of
some heart conditions and of twin to twin transfusion syndrome in twins with a
shared placenta. It is also used to perform amniotic or fetal blood sampling,
or to place a catheter shunt in the chest, abdomen and bladder.
There are no comparable non-surgical or surgical alternatives
to fetal image-guided surgery. Fetendo and open fetal surgery are surgical
alternatives to the procedure.
Anesthesia
with Fetal Image-Guided Surgery:
Fetal image-guided surgery can be performed under
local or regional anesthesia. It can also be performed under general
anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware
during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Fetal Image-Guided Surgery:
Possible risks for the mother from fetal
image-guided surgery include wound infection, uterine infection, amniotic fluid
leak, bleeding, psychological stress, infertility and a negative reaction to
the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience premature labor and to
require a Cesarean delivery. Fetal death is also possible.
Prognosis
after Fetal Image-Guided Surgery:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
fetal image-guided surgery is good.