Fetal Surgery
Surgical intervention performed on a fetus while still in the uterus to correct life-threatening congenital anomalies.
Full Definition
Fetal surgery encompasses a range of in-utero surgical procedures performed to treat congenital anomalies that would be fatal or cause significant morbidity if left untreated until birth. Common indications include severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia, sacrococcygeal teratoma, and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The field includes minimally invasive fetoscopic procedures and open fetal surgery requiring hysterotomy. Maternal risks include preterm labor, bleeding, and infection. Success requires careful patient selection, multidisciplinary expertise, and specialized maternal-fetal centers.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between open fetal surgery and minimally invasive fetoscopic procedures in documentation.
In Context
- "The fetus underwent endoscopic fetal surgery for severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome at 20 weeks gestation." — Maternal-fetal medicine consultation
- "Open fetal surgery was considered for the large sacrococcygeal teratoma causing fetal hydrops." — Multidisciplinary team meeting