Ex utero intrapartum technique (EXIT): Indications, procedure methods and materno-fetal complications - A literature

Andrew Spiers1, Guillaume Legendre1, Florence Biquard1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France.

A congenital malformation of the head, neck or thorax can lead to upper airway compression with a risk of asphyxia or neonatal death. To secure and protect the upper airway, the Ex Utero Intrapartum Therapy (EXIT) procedure has been developed. The procedure allows delivery of the fetus via a hysterotomy while relying on the placenta as the organ of respiration for the fetus prior to clamping of the umbilical cord. A high level of expertise is necessary for successful completion of the EXIT procedure, which is not void of maternal and fetal risks. In this literature review, we present the indications, procedure methods and materno-fetal complications associated with the EXIT procedure.