Fetoscopic surgery in triplet pregnancies: a multicenter case series

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Nov;191(5):1529-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.06.039.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of fetoscopic surgery in complicated monochorionic and dichorionic triplet pregnancies.

Study design: 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.

Conclusion: Fetoscopic surgery may be considered as a therapeutic option in complicated triplet pregnancies, with results similar to those found in twins.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Belgium / epidemiology
  • Chorion
  • Female
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / mortality
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / pathology
  • Fetofetal Transfusion / surgery*
  • Fetoscopy*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / mortality
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / pathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation*
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Survival Analysis
  • Triplets*