Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
 

Learn about the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and our masking policy »

Stanford Health Care

Percutaneous fetal access and uterine closure for fetoscopic surgery - Lessons learned from 16 consecutive procedures in pregnant sheep SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY-ULTRASOUND AND INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES Kohl, T., Szabo, Z., Suda, K., Quinn, T. M., Petrossian, E., Harrison, M. R., Hanley, F. L. 1997; 11 (8): 819-824

Abstract

Maternal morbidity and preterm labor from fetal surgery might be minimized by a percutaneous technique for fetal access and uterine closure.In each of 16 ewes, we inserted three trocars percutaneously into the amniotic cavity using ultrasound and fetoscopic guidance. In six ewes, percutaneous uterine closure after the procedure was attempted. We assessed feasibility and acute complications of our technique during surgery and at autopsy.We achieved percutaneous fetal access in 14 ewes and closed the uterus percutaneously in all six ewes attempted. Fetal injury was related to amnioinfusion or fixation of chorioamniotic membranes. Other complications were trocar dislodgment and damage to uterine wall and chorioamniotic membranes. The latter complication was prevented using balloon-tipped trocars.Percutaneous intraamniotic access and uterine closure for fetoscopic surgery can be achieved reliably with little maternal and fetal morbidity in sheep. Minor modifications are desired to apply this approach in humans.

View details for Web of Science ID A1997XN75400008

View details for PubMedID 9266643