title: Fetoscopic approach to amniotic band syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is an uncommon complication of pregnancy that can result in fetal demise.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present our experience with fetoscopic amniotic band release.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five patients underwent fetoscopic amniotic band release for preoperatively diagnosed ABS involving at least one extremity. Four of five patients were found to have involvement of the umbilical cord at the time of fetoscopy. One of these four did not have the band released and underwent fetal demise at 24 weeks. All four survivors had good functional outcomes of affected limbs. Two patients developed membrane separation and had preterm deliveries at 32 weeks gestation whereas the other two carried to term. No maternal complications were noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fetoscopic amniotic band release is safe. Umbilical cord involvement is difficult to assess preoperatively, but when it is present should be treated to reduce the risk of fetal demise.
authors: Fetal Treatment Center, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA; Department of Surgery, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA.
authors: S Christopher
authors: SC
authors: Derderian
authors: Fetal Treatment Center, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA; Department of Surgery, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA.
authors: Corey W
authors: CW
authors: Iqbal
authors: Fetal Treatment Center, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA; Department of Radiology, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA.
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Goldstein
authors: Fetal Treatment Center, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA; Department of Surgery, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA.
authors: Hanmin
authors: H
authors: Lee
authors: Fetal Treatment Center, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA; Department of Surgery, the University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0570, USA. Electronic address: Shinjiro.Hirose@ucsfmedctr.org.
authors: Shinjiro
authors: S
authors: Hirose
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000652:Amniotic Band Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: ABS; Amniotic band syndrome; Fetal intervention; Fetal surgery; Fetoscopy