Minimally Invasive Fetal Surgery

Clin Perinatol. 2017 Dec;44(4):729-751. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2017.08.001. Epub 2017 Sep 23.

Abstract

Fetal surgery corrects severe congenital anomalies in utero to prevent their severe consequences on fetal development. The significant risk of open fetal operations to the pregnant mother has driven innovation toward minimally invasive procedures that decrease the risks inherent to hysterotomy. In this article, we discuss the basic principles of minimally invasive fetal surgery, the general history of its development, specific conditions and procedures used to treat them, and the future of the field.

Keywords: Fetal diagnosis; Fetal surgery; Fetal therapy; Fetoscopic surgery; Fetoscopy; Prenatal diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amniotic Band Syndrome / surgery
  • Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine / history
  • Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine / methods*
  • Congenital Abnormalities / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / surgery*
  • Fetal Therapies / history
  • Fetal Therapies / methods
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / surgery*
  • Fetoscopy / history
  • Fetoscopy / methods*
  • Fetus / surgery*
  • Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital / surgery
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / methods
  • Meningomyelocele / surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
  • Pregnancy
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal