Prolonged intrauterine transabdominal ventricular external drainage. A method to decompress dilated fetal ventricles

Advances in diagnostic procedures to detect intrauterine hydrocephalus have compelled neurosurgeons to intervene in order to preserve precious neural tissue. We present the first case (to the best of our knowledge) of a successful decrease in intracranial pressure and head circumference by repeated transabdominal intrauterine external drainage. The mother tolerated the procedure well. No complication occurred from the procedure. This method may temporarily decrease the intracranial pressure and head circumference in utero, preserve neural tissue and facilitate normal vaginal delivery. The literature of intrauterine intervention in hydrocephalic fetuses is reviewed.