Ex-utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) Procedure for Giant Fetal Epignathus

Indian Pediatr. 2015 Oct;52(10):893-5. doi: 10.1007/s13312-015-0740-9.

Abstract

Background: Large fetal oropharyngeal tumors are rare, and have the potential to cause airway obstruction during birth.

Case characteristics: A 35-year-old woman with antenatally diagnosed large heterogenous mass in fetal neck displacing trachea and filling up the orophanygeal space.

Intervention: The infant was delivered at 31 weeks of gestation by ex-utero intrapartum therapy procedure to secure the airway.

Outcome: Tumor was resected successfully on day 8 of life. Histopathology revealed mixed teratoma.

Message: Ex-utero intrapartum therapy for fetuses with severe upper airway compromise may prove life-saving.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Airway Obstruction / surgery*
  • Cesarean Section / methods*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Fetal Diseases / surgery*
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / surgery
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / congenital
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Teratoma / congenital
  • Teratoma / diagnosis
  • Teratoma / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tongue Neoplasms / congenital
  • Tongue Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Tongue Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Tracheostomy / methods
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal