New minimally invasive technique for cystoscopic laser treatment of fetal ureterocele

Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Jul;50(1):124-127. doi: 10.1002/uog.17296. Epub 2017 May 30.

Abstract

Prenatal ultrasound detection of fetal ureterocele with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, obstruction of the bladder outlet and progressive amniotic fluid reduction have been associated with a significant risk of end-stage chronic renal disease after birth. Fetal cystoscopic laser incision of the ureterocele, using standard 3.5-mm fetoscopic access to the amniotic cavity and the fetal bladder with the aim of relieving the bladder outflow obstruction to preserve renal function, has been reported previously in a case with a favorable outcome. We report on two additional cases of fetal ureterocele treated by cystoscopic laser decompression. In the first case, a standard 3.3-mm uterine entry was used. In the second case, a new approach was adopted using an 'all-seeing needle' 1.6-mm endoscope. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords: fetal cystoscopy; fetal surgery; laser; ultrasound; ureterocele.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cystoscopy
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fetoscopy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal
  • Ureterocele / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ureterocele / embryology
  • Ureterocele / surgery