Fetal surgery: general or regional anaesthesia?

Major improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of fetal malformations, including in-utero surgical repair, have occurred in the past decade. As opposed to anaesthesia for caesarean sections, a high placental drug transfer is warranted to provide adequate fetal anaesthesia and immobility, strongly favouring the use of general anaesthesia for these cases. Even though the question of fetal pain perception is still debated, studies suggest that attenuation of the fetal stress response can improve outcome. Other major concerns include the maintenance of uterine blood flow and uterine relaxation, as premature labour and delivery severely limit fetal benefits from surgery. When performing these procedures, physicians have a special responsibility to weigh maternal risks against fetal benefits and should not jeopardize the life of the mother for procedures with questionable fetal outcome.