[Experience with bladder-amniotic shunts]

Four bladder-amniotic shunts were done in three fetuses with megacystis. The procedure was successful in all cases on the first attempt. The interval between the shunt insertion and delivery was range from three to twenty eight days. Pulmonary and renal damage were irreversible in two fetuses. Spontaneous abortion occurred with the third fetus which had multiple malformations. We believe that selection of candidates for such procedures should be improved. Early diagnosis and referral to high technology centers will increase clinical experience.