1. Should We Stitch-Close the Fetoscopic Percutaneous Access? A Case-Series of Laparotomy to Trans-Amniotic Membrane Suturing for Intrauterine Port Placement in Fetoscopic Surgery for Twins.
- Author
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Forde, Braxton, Sepulveda Gonzalez, Gerrado, Lim, Foong-Yen, Arroyo-Lemarroy, Tayde, Nava Geurrero, Eduardo Noe, Lizarraga-Cepeda, Esteban, Habli, Mounira, McKinney, David, Hoffman, Mallory, and Peiro, Jose L.
- Subjects
SURGICAL complications ,PREGNANCY outcomes ,PREMATURE labor ,LASER photocoagulation ,ABDOMINAL surgery ,FETOFETAL transfusion - Abstract
Introduction: Maternal laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic surgery for in-utero myelomeningocele repair has shown that a trans-amniotic membrane suture during fetoscopic port placement can reduce postsurgical complications. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for complex twins is typically performed percutaneously without a transmembrane stitch. However, in scenarios without a placental-free window, maternal laparotomy may be used for recipient sac access. Here, we present the outcomes of our series of laparotomy-assisted FLP cases, including a trans-amniotic membrane suturing of the fetoscopic port. Methods: Retrospective series of twin-twin transfusion syndrome or twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) cases treated at 2 fetal centers that underwent maternal laparotomy to FLP from September 2017 to January 2023. We recorded preoperative and operative characteristics, as well as pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Results: During the study period, 9 maternal laparotomy to FLP cases were performed. Two were excluded for prior percutaneous FLP in the pregnancy. The remaining seven utilized a maternal laparotomy to trans-amniotic membrane stitch with confirmation of proper suture placement under ultrasound guidance, and all surgeries were performed with a single 10 F Check-Flo
® cannula. Mean gestational age (GA) at surgery was 19.1 weeks (range 16 weeks 4 days–23 weeks 3 days), with delivery occurring at a mean GA of 35.0 weeks (range 32 weeks 0 days–37 weeks 1 day), resulting in a mean latency of 15.8 weeks, significantly longer than what is reported in the literature and our own data (mean latency for percutaneous FLP 10.2, 95% CI 9.9–10.5). Furthermore, all cases underwent iatrogenic delivery before labor onset, with the lone delivery prior to 34 weeks due to concern for post-laser TAPS. Conclusion: This case series of laparotomy to FLP with trans-amniotic stitch, demonstrated no cases of spontaneous preterm birth and a longer-than-expected latency from surgery to delivery. Larger studies are warranted to investigate this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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