Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Case Series

Abstract

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a fatal complication and twins with monochorionic/diamniotic placentas are affected due to placental vascular anastomoses, producing volume transfer of blood from one twin to the other. The donor twin becomes hypovolemic with oligohydramnios and the recipient becomes hypervolemic with polyhydramnios. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and expresses longstanding health hazards. Serial amnioreduction and fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of the vascular anastomoses are the main therapeutic approaches for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Higher survival rates after fetoscopic laser ablation of the anastomotic vessels in comparison to serial amnioreduction have been reported in multicenter randomized clinical trials. We report the fetoscopic laser coagulation of three twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome cases at Ankara Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Health Practice Research Center, Perinatology Clinics.

Keywords

• Twin - Twin transfusion syndrome, Fetoscopic laser coagulation, Monochorionic pregnancy