Fetoscopic surgery in triplet pregnancies: a multicenter case series.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of fetoscopic surgery in complicated monochorionic and dichorionic triplet pregnancies.


METHODS
This was a case series of fetoscopic surgery in 12 cases of monochorionic (n = 5) or dichorionic (n = 7) triamniotic triplets complicated by severe feto-fetal transfusion (n = 8), twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (n = 3), or discordant for an anomaly (n = 1). Six underwent cord occlusion, and 6 had laser coagulation of the vascular anastomoses.


RESULTS
All procedures were successfully completed, and the outcome was comparable to that reported for similar procedures in twins. Eighty-three percent of fetuses survived, and 13% had long-term problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Fetoscopic surgery may be considered as a therapeutic option in complicated triplet pregnancies, with results similar to those found in twins.
Van Schoubroeck
Dominique
D
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, K. U. Leuven, Belgium. Dominique.VanSchoubroeck@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Lewi
Liesbeth
L
Ryan
Greg
G
Carreras
Elena
E
Jani
Jacques
J
Higueras
Teresa
T
Deprest
Jan
J
Gratacos
Eduard
E
D000328:Adult; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D002823:Chorion; D005260:Female; D005330:Fetofetal Transfusion / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005332:Fetoscopy; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014310:Triplets