In utero Fetal Intubation for a Large Neck Mass: A Minimally Invasive EXIT Option

Ramen H Chmait1, Andrew H Chon2, Dean Anselmo3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA, chmait@usc.edu.

Fetuses with obstructive neck and orofacial lesions have been delivered via an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure to facilitate securement of the airway while on placental circulation. Pregnancy-related cardiovascular changes and technical issues unique to an EXIT procedure increase fetal and maternal risks relative to a standard cesarean section. In order to circumvent such issues, fetal endoscopic intubation has been proposed. We report a case of a fetus with a large neck mass (mixed solid and multiloculated cystic lesion measuring 9.2 × 5.3 × 8.5 cm, neck hyperextension, protruding tongue, and serial gagging movements) that was successfully intubated in utero and delivered at 36 weeks and 0 days via standard cesarean section, thereby avoiding an EXIT procedure. The risks, benefits, and technical issues of in utero tracheal intubation are reviewed.

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