Development of Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome

doi:10.12280/gjfckx.20230183

Abstract

Abstract:

Fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC) has been widely used in clinical treatment of patients with twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) by Ⅱ-Ⅳ stage and has achieved certain results. The perinatal survival rate of TTTS is significantly improved, and the incidence rate of the surviving fetal nervous system is significantly reduced. Meanwhile, it is widely recognized and carried out in the field of minimally invasive fetal medicine because of its advantages such as direct vision operation, small incision, less maternal blood loss, and less interference to pregnancy. However, due to the limitations of FLC technology, which requires a high level of operator skill and special equipment such as their own endoscope and laser, FLC technology can not achieve better results. Pregnant women who receive FLC treatment still face serious perioperative complications, postoperative recurrence, and the risk of reoperation. This article reviews the application and research progress of FLC in TTTS treatment both domestically and internationally, comprehensively elaborates on the development history, operational methods, shortcomings, and future development direction of FLC technology, in order to provide certain reference for the future development of fetal medicine.

Key words: Fetoscopes, Laser coagulation, Fetofetal transfusion, Pregnancy complications, Fetal medicine

LI Yu-bo, LI Jun-nan. Development of Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome[J]. Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2023, 50(5): 486-491.

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