Assessment of access strategies for fetoscopic urologic surgery: preliminary results

Attempted endoscopic fetal interventions have been increasingly reported, given the knowledge that minimizing the trauma to the uterus by a small access portal can allow prolonged amnioscopic-guided surgery. Numerous fetal anomalies have been targeted for these interventions, including congential obstructive uropathies. This preliminary investigation explored innovative access strategies utilizing time-dated pregnant ewes, 95 to 100 days' gestation (term 145 days). Two strategies were specifically investigated: percutaneous, ultrasonographically guided microamnisocopy and ultrasonographically aided, laparoscopically guided amnioscopy. Both strategies provided excellent fetal visibility and were facilitated by the use of small trocars and microlaparoscopic instrumentation, which promoted prolonged amnioscopy with minimal access trauma.