Certain conditions during pregnancy can endanger the baby in the womb, potentially leading to irreversible disabilities due to insufficient development, and in some instances, may even result in the loss of the baby. Emphasizing that fetal treatments are now possible in the womb with the expertise of skilled surgical teams and advancements in technology, Liv Hospital Perinatology Specialist Dr. Arda Kazım Demirkan described the minimally invasive fetal surgeries performed within the womb.
Intervention in the womb for kidney dysfunction
If a urinary tract obstruction, particularly a very low level of amniotic fluid, is identified in the fetus through detailed ultrasonography, it may cause significant complications in lung development after birth. This can greatly diminish the baby's chances of survival. In these situations, the baby's kidney functions are evaluated within the mother's womb using ultrasonographic assessment and bladder samples, and if kidney function is preserved, a shunt can be placed between the bladder and the amniotic fluid to address the obstruction and restore amniotic fluid levels.
Fluid accumulation in the lungs is a serious problem
Other conditions where fetal shunts are placed in the womb include pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the membrane around the lungs) and significant fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, known as fetal ascites. In these cases, excess fluid can substantially harm the baby's health. The collected fluid is diverted into the amniotic fluid through a catheter to relieve pressure on the baby, and in certain cases, this intervention can directly resolve the issue. Additionally, fetal medications and blood treatments can achieve positive outcomes in situations involving specific congenital lung malformations, diaphragm herniation in the fetus, and severe anemia or platelet deficiency in the fetus within the womb.
Abnormalities in twin babies can be controlled
The most significant anomaly encountered in the womb for monochorionic twins is twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and disorders affecting one baby. In the first situation, an excess supply of blood may reach one fetus, causing blood volume overload and heart failure, while the other fetus suffers from reduced blood flow. These events can pose serious risks in the womb, depending on the severity of the syndrome. If left untreated, such problems can result in pregnancy loss and increased fetal mortality, according to the seriousness of the condition. Favorable outcomes can be achieved using the fetoscopic technique under ultrasonographic guidance, enabling the ablation of shared vessels between the twins or coagulation of the umbilical cord using bipolar forceps.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .