An open fetal surgery, intrauterine surgery to
remove a sacrococcygeal teratoma involves the removal of a tumor from the base
of the tailbone of the fetus. This procedure is performed prior to 32 weeks
gestation in the case of a large tumor risking maternal and fetal health.
Also
Known As:
- Intrauterine
surgery
- Pregnancy
surgery
- Fetal surgery
- Open fetal surgery
- Fetal
intervention
Conditions
Treated with Intrauterine Surgery to Remove a Sacrococcygeal Teratoma:
Intrauterine surgery to remove a sacrococcygeal
teratoma is performed in cases of a sacrococcygeal teratoma causing fetal heart
failure or fetal hydrops.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
intrauterine surgery to remove a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Postnatal surgery to
remove the teratoma is a surgical alternative.
Anesthesia
with Intrauterine Surgery to Remove a Sacrococcygeal Teratoma:
Intrauterine surgery to remove a sacrococcygeal
teratoma is performed under a general anesthesia, which means that the patient
is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Intrauterine Surgery to Remove a Sacrococcygeal Teratoma:
Possible risks to the mother following intrauterine
surgery to remove a sacrococcygeal teratoma include wound infection, uterine
infection, infertility, amniotic fluid leak, bleeding, psychological stress and
a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience
premature labor or delivery or to require delivery by cesarean section. Fetal
death can also occur.
Prognosis
after Intrauterine Surgery to Remove a Sacrococcygeal Teratoma:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
intrauterine surgery to remove a sacrococcygeal teratoma is fair. In many
cases, the benefits to surgery outweigh the risks.