title: Gelatin sponge plug to seal fetoscopy port sites: technique in ovine and primate models.
abstract: Amniotic fluid leakage and rupture of membranes are common complications of fetoscopy. We describe a plug technique for leakproof removal of endoscopic cannulas. Thirty gelatin sponge plugs were introduced in 5 pregnant ewes and 5 pregnant rhesus monkeys. In the primate model no evidence of amniorrhexis was noted on postoperative ultrasonography. Myometrium and membranes at the port sites were intact at term. A gelatin sponge plug technique may facilitate leakproof port removal after fetoscopy.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Surgical Technologies, Catholic University Leuven, the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: F I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Luks
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Deprest
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Peers
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Steegers
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: van Der Wildt
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D011247:Pregnancy; D012756:Sheep; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal