Fetoscopy
Encyclopedia
Fetoscopy is an endoscopic procedure during pregnancy
to allow access to the fetus
, the amniotic cavity
, the umbilical cord
, and the fetal side of the placenta
. A small (3–4 mm) incision is made in the abdomen
, and an endoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall and uterus
into the amniotic cavity
. Fetoscopy allows medical interventions such as a biopsy
or a laser
occlusion of abnormal blood vessels.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy refers to the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as a fetus or embryo, in a woman's uterus. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations, as in the case of twins or triplets...
to allow access to the fetus
Fetus
A fetus is a developing mammal or other viviparous vertebrate after the embryonic stage and before birth.In humans, the fetal stage of prenatal development starts at the beginning of the 11th week in gestational age, which is the 9th week after fertilization.-Etymology and spelling variations:The...
, the amniotic cavity
Amniotic cavity
The amniotic cavity is the closed sac between the embryo and the amnion, containing the amniotic fluid. The amniotic cavity is formed by the fusion of the parts of the amniotic fold, which first makes its appearance at the cephalic extremity, and subsequently at the caudal end and sides of the embryo...
, the umbilical cord
Umbilical cord
In placental mammals, the umbilical cord is the connecting cord from the developing embryo or fetus to the placenta...
, and the fetal side of the placenta
Placenta
The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall to allow nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother's blood supply. "True" placentas are a defining characteristic of eutherian or "placental" mammals, but are also found in some snakes and...
. A small (3–4 mm) incision is made in the abdomen
Abdomen
In vertebrates such as mammals the abdomen constitutes the part of the body between the thorax and pelvis. The region enclosed by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity...
, and an endoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall and uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
into the amniotic cavity
Amniotic cavity
The amniotic cavity is the closed sac between the embryo and the amnion, containing the amniotic fluid. The amniotic cavity is formed by the fusion of the parts of the amniotic fold, which first makes its appearance at the cephalic extremity, and subsequently at the caudal end and sides of the embryo...
. Fetoscopy allows medical interventions such as a biopsy
Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical test involving sampling of cells or tissues for examination. It is the medical removal of tissue from a living subject to determine the presence or extent of a disease. The tissue is generally examined under a microscope by a pathologist, and can also be analyzed chemically...
or a laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
occlusion of abnormal blood vessels.
See also
- FetoscopeFetoscopeFetoscope can refer to:*A kind of endoscope used in fetoscopy*A kind of stethoscope...
- Fetal interventionFetal interventionFetal intervention involves in utero surgical treatment of a fetus. Procedures include open fetal surgery, the most invasive, and the less invasive fetendo and fetal image-guided surgery.Fetal intervention is relatively new...
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndromeTwin-to-twin transfusion syndromeTwin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a complication of disproportionate blood supply, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. It can affect monochorionic multiples, that is multiple pregnancies where two or more fetuses share a chorion and hence a single placenta...
- Spina bifidaSpina bifidaSpina bifida is a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube. Some vertebrae overlying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open. If the opening is large enough, this allows a portion of the spinal cord to protrude through...
- Myelomeningocele
- Diaphragmatic herniaDiaphragmatic herniaDiaphragmatic hernia is a defect or hole in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal contents to move into the chest cavity. Treatment is usually surgical.The following types of diaphragmatic hernia exist:* Congenital diaphragmatic hernia** Morgagni's hernia...