Fetoscopy

Diagnostic

Although transvaginal ultrasound and biochemical studies are now useful in identifying congenital anomalies early on in pregnancy, a number of conditions may still escape early detection by these or other techniques. Thin-gauge fetoscopy, a minimally-invasive technique, allows visualization of the external anatomy of the fetus after 12 weeks, with a resolution that surpasses that of ultrasound. This technique is available for selected cases to confirm or rule out the suspicion of a congenital anomaly in the first stages of pregnancy. Examples of conditions diagnosed include Meckel-Gruber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. Amniotic bands, first trimester varicella, and other selected conditions have also been examined.

Classic

Beyond 16 weeks, the fetus is too large relative to the small endoscopes used in the first trimester. For these pregnancies, a larger endoscope is used to examine the fetus. The size of the endoscope is still small enough that it can be introduced through a minimal skin incision (1/10") under ultrasound guidance. The technique is similar to the type of examinations performed in the late 1970's and early 1980's, but with improved imaging possibilities. The procedure is offered in selected cases where an anatomical defect may escape ultrasound detection even in the second trimester.

Classic
Beyond 16 weeks, the fetus is too large relative to the small endoscopes used in the first trimester. For these pregnancies, a larger endoscope is used to examine the fetus. The size of the endoscope is still small enough that it can be introduced through a minimal skin incision (1/10") under ultrasound guidance. The technique is similar to the type of examinations performed in the late 1970's and early 1980's, but with improved imaging possibilities. The procedure is offered in selected cases where an anatomical defect may escape ultrasound detection even in the second trimester.