Fetoscopic surgical procedures refer to minimally invasive surgical techniques that are performed on a fetus inside the uterus. It involves the use of a fetoscope, a specialized instrument equipped with a camera, light source, and surgical tools, which is inserted into the uterus through small incisions made in the mother's abdomen.
These procedures are typically performed to diagnose and treat various fetal conditions, such as congenital abnormalities or complications that may arise during pregnancy. Fetoscopic surgery offers advantages over traditional open fetal surgery, as it reduces the risk of complications and allows for a faster recovery for both the mother and the fetus.
During a fetoscopic surgical procedure, the surgeon navigates through the amniotic fluid and visualizes the fetus using the fetoscope. They can then perform corrective or therapeutic interventions by manipulating instruments through additional small incisions. This may include procedures such as removing or repairing defects, treating vesicoureteral reflux, or placing shunts for conditions like twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
Fetoscopic surgical procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia and with the guidance of ultrasound imaging. They require a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including fetal surgeons, maternal-fetal medicine experts, neonatologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses.
Although fetoscopic surgical procedures have revolutionized the management of certain fetal conditions, they are still considered relatively new and are not yet widely available. Ongoing research and advancements in technology are continuously improving the outcomes and expanding the applications of fetoscopic surgery in prenatal care.
