title: Minimal access techniques for fetal surgery.
abstract: The impetus for the development of minimal access techniques for fetal surgery was the unusual occurrence with open hysterotomy of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and the maternal complications resulting from tocolytic therapy. This strategy involves a constellation of techniques that allow surgical procedures to be performed inside the uterus without a hysterotomy. The unique requirements of this approach necessitated modifications of existing endoscopic techniques, development of novel fetoscopic instruments, and utilization of the expertise of a wide variety of specialists. Technical expertise in the field and a natural evolution of techniques have given rise to innovative repairs previously not envisioned. Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia, diseases of monochorionic twins, and obstructive uropathy have already been successfully treated using fetoscopic surgical techniques. Fetoscopic correction of many other non-life-threatening anomalies continues to evolve. The future of fetoscopic surgical intervention depends on the continual evolution of novel techniques, the elucidation of the pathophysiology and treatment of other fetal disorders, and a better understanding of treatment of complications of intervention.
authors.affiliation: The Fetal Treatment Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Room HSW 1601, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.
authors.forename: Roman M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Sydorak
authors.forename: Craig T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Albanese
mesh_terms: D000652:Amniotic Band Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000601:surgery; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005333:Fetus / Q000601:surgery*; D006548:Hernia, Diaphragmatic / Q000601:surgery; D065630:Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D011677:Punctures; D012445:Sacrococcygeal Region; D013724:Teratoma / Q000601:surgery; D014427:Twins; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000601:surgery