Blood Incompatibility
November 15, 2022Fetal Therapy
November 16, 2022Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Nowadays, fetoscopy (examination of the fetus with an endoscopic camera) and laser removal of connections (laser photocoagulation) of the vessels connecting both fetuses are used to treat cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Fetoscopic laser surgery is currently the primary treatment method used worldwide. Thanks to it, the chances of survival of both fetuses can be significantly increased, and the likelihood of neurological damage in infants can be reduced. To date, laser photocoagulation is proven to be superior to old methods or the complete absence of any intervention. That all makes it the central treatment method today.
Although fetoscopic laser operations increase the chances of survival of infants, as well as reduce the likelihood of neurological damage, we should also keep in mind that such surgeries can lead to twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and other similar problems, so we cannot count on absolute success after each operation.