Enhanced recovery after fetal spina bifida surgery: what is our global practice?

OBJECTIVE: Prenatal spina bifida closure results in improved outcomes for the child compared to postnatal surgery but is associated with significant maternal morbidity. Optimization of the perioperative care for women who underwent fetal spina bifida surgery could improve maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are multimodal, evidence-based care plans that have been adopted for multiple surgical procedures to promote faster and better patient recovery and shorter hospitalization. This study aims to explore if fetal centers have implemented ERAS principles in this setting. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for the perioperative management of patients undergoing fetal spina bifida surgery. METHODS: Fifty-three fetal therapy centers offering prenatal surgery for open spina bifida were identified and invited to complete a digital questionnaire covering their pre-, intra- and postoperative management. An overall score was calculated per center based on the center's compliance with 20 key ERAS principles, extrapolated from ERAS guidelines for cesarean section, gynecologic oncology and colorectal surgery. Each item was scored 1 or 0 when the center did or did not comply with each principle, with a maximum score of 20. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 46 centers in 17 countries (response rate 87%). Twenty-two centers (48%) exclusively perform open fetal surgery (laparotomy and hysterotomy), whereas 14 (30%) offer both open and fetoscopic procedures and 10 (22%) use fetoscopy only. The perioperative management of patients undergoing fetoscopic and open surgery was highly similar. The median ERAS score was 12 (mean 12.5, SD 2.4, range 8-17). Center compliance was the highest for the use of regional anesthesia (98%), avoidance of bowel preparation (96%), and thromboprophylaxis (96%), while the lowest compliance was achieved for preoperative carbohydrate loading (15%), postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention (33%), avoidance of overnight fasting (33%) and a 2-hour fasting period for clear fluids (20%). ERAS scores were similar in centers with a short (2-5 days), medium (6-10 days) and long (≥11 days) hospital stay (12.8 ± 2.4, 12.1 ± 2.0, and 10.3 ± 3.2, respectively, p=0.15). Furthermore, there was no significant association between ERAS score and surgical technique or center volume. CONCLUSION: The perioperative management of fetal spina bifida surgery is highly variable across fetal therapy centers worldwide. Standardizing protocols according to ERAS principles may improve patient recovery, reduce maternal morbidity, and shorten hospital stay after fetal spina bifida surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of hydrops fetalis: A 10-year experience in a tertiary care center.

INTRODUCTION: Hydrops fetalis (HF) is a rare condition with a high mortality. This study analysed the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of antenatally diagnosed HF according to its aetiology and the possibility of intrauterine treatment (IUT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of the health records of 164 pregnant women with a prenatal diagnosis of HF in a tertiary care centre between 2011-2021. We analysed prenatal interventions, clinical findings, aetiologies and obstetric and live-born infant outcomes. RESULTS: An invasive prenatal study had been performed in 79.3% cases. The most common aetiologies were genetic disorders (31%), TORCH and parvovirus B19 infections (9.7%) and structural heart diseases (9.1%). Intrauterine treatment was performed in 25.6%, and 74.4% of pregnancies were terminated. Pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of genetic or chromosomal disorders had higher rates of elective termination compared to other aetiologies (P < .01). Among all pregnancies, only 25.6% resulted in live births (LBs), most of them preterm. Perinatal and 1-year survival rates were higher in the group that received IUT (P < .001). Among the LBs, structural heart diseases had the worst survival rates, while the aetiology with the best outcomes was tachyarrhythmia. Survival at 1 year of life among those born alive was 70%, but 58.6% of these infants had significant morbidity at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in the management of FH, the poor obstetric prognosis, perinatal mortality and morbidity of survivors is still significant. These data are important for the purpose of counselling families when HF is diagnosed antenatally.

Management of Ebstein Anomaly in the Current Era: The Story of One Fetus and the Collaboration of Many-A Case Report.

Collaborative multicenter research has significantly increased our understanding of fetal Ebstein anomaly, delineating risk factors for adverse outcomes as well as predictors of postnatal management. These data are incorporated into prenatal care and therapeutic strategies and inform family counseling and delivery planning to optimize care. This report details the translation of findings from multicenter studies into multidisciplinary prenatal care for a fetus with Ebstein anomaly, supraventricular tachycardia, and a circular shunt, including transplacental therapy to control arrhythmias and achieve ductal constriction, informed and coordinated delivery room management, and planned univentricular surgical palliation.

Neonatos con diagnóstico prenatal de hidrops fetal: experiencia durante 10 años en un centro de tercer nivel / Neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of hydrops fetalis: A 10-year experience in a tertiary care center

Introducción: El hidrops fetal (HF) es una condición rara con una alta mortalidad. Este estudio analiza la evolución obstétrica y perinatal de los diagnósticos prenatales de HF, relacionándola con la etiología y el tratamiento intrauterino (TIU) recibido. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron 164 gestantes con diagnóstico prenatal de HF entre 2011 y 2021. Se registraron intervenciones prenatales, hallazgos clínicos, etiologías y resultados de los recién nacidos vivos. Resultados: Se realizó un estudio invasivo prenatal en el 79,3% de los pacientes. Las etiologías mayoritarias fueron alteraciones genéticas (31%), infecciones TORCH y por parvovirus B19 (9,7%), y cardiopatías estructurales (9,1%). En el 25,6% se realizó TIU, y entre todas las gestaciones, el 74,4% fueron interrumpidas. Las alteraciones genéticas tuvieron tasas más altas de interrupción legal del embarazo respecto a otras etiologías (p<0,01). Del total, solo nacieron el 25,6% de los fetos, la mayoría pretérmino. Los que recibieron TIU gozaron de mayores tasas de supervivencia perinatal y al año de vida (p<0,001). De entre aquellos nacimientos, las cardiopatías estructurales presentaron las peores tasas de supervivencia, mientras que las causas con mejor pronóstico fueron las taquiarritmias. La supervivencia al año de vida entre aquellos recién nacidos vivos fue del 70%, pero el 58,6% asociaron morbilidad significativa al alta. Conclusiones: A pesar de los avances en el manejo del HF, el mal pronóstico obstétrico, la mortalidad perinatal y la morbilidad de los supervivientes siguen siendo significativos. Estos datos son importantes para asesorar a las familias que reciben un diagnóstico prenatal de HF.(AU)

Introduction: Hydrops fetalis (HF) is a rare condition with a high mortality. This study analysed the obstetric and perinatal outcomes of antenatally diagnosed HF according to its aetiology and the possibility of intrauterine treatment (IUT). Patients and methods: We carried out a retrospective review of the health records of 164 pregnant women with a prenatal diagnosis of HF in a tertiary care centre between 2011 and 2021. We analysed prenatal interventions, clinical findings, aetiologies and obstetric and live-born infant outcomes. Results: An invasive prenatal study had been performed in 79.3% cases. The most common aetiologies were genetic disorders (31%), TORCH and parvovirus B19 infections (9.7%) and structural heart diseases (9.1%). Intrauterine treatment was performed in 25.6%, and 74.4% of pregnancies were terminated. Pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of genetic or chromosomal disorders had higher rates of elective termination compared to other aetiologies (P<.01). Among all pregnancies, only 25.6% resulted in live births (LBs), most of them preterm. Perinatal and 1-year survival rates were higher in the group that received IUT (P<.001). Among the LBs, structural heart diseases had the worst survival rates, while the aetiology with the best outcomes was tachyarrhythmia. Survival at 1year of life among those born alive was 70%, but 58.6% of these infants had significant morbidity at discharge. Conclusions: Despite advances in the management of FH, the poor obstetric prognosis, perinatal mortality and morbidity of survivors is still significant. These data are important for the purpose of counselling families when HF is diagnosed antenatally.(AU)

Prenatal repair of gastroschisis using partial carbon dioxide insufflation fetoscopy: lessons learned

ABSTRACT We report the long-term outcomes of a case of prenatal gastroschisis repair using a fully percutaneous fetoscopic approach with partial carbon dioxide insufflation. Surgery was performed as an experimental procedure before the scheduled elective birth. The fetal intestines were successfully returned to the abdominal cavity without any fetal or maternal complications. Ultrasonography performed 24 hours later revealed bowel peristalsis and no signs of fetal distress. After 48 hours, partial extrusion of the small bowel was observed, and the fetus was delivered. Gastroschisis repair was immediately performed upon delivery using the EXIT-like procedure as per our institutional protocol. The newborn did not require assisted mechanical ventilation, was discharged at 14 days of age and was then exclusively breastfed. At 3-year follow-up, the patient had no associated gastroschisis-related complications. This is the first case of prenatal repair of gastroschisis, which provides baseline knowledge for future researchers on the potential hurdles and management of prenatal repair.

Terapia laser intrafetal para la secuencia perfusión arterial inversa en gemelos (TRAP). Comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Una primigesta de 41 años con gestación doble monocoriónica biamniótica, con diagnóstico de secuencia perfusión gemelar arterial reversa (TRAP, por sus siglas en inglés) y mal pronóstico perinatal fue intervenida mediante terapia laser intrafetal a las 18 semanas de gestación. Se complicó con rotura prematura de membranas que fue manejada en forma expectante hasta las 33 semanas 3 días, cuando se realizó cesárea electiva sin complicaciones. Se obtuvo un recién nacido vivo sano de 2,255 g que fue dado de alta hospitalaria el día 15 de nacido, sin complicaciones. Comunicamos el primer caso de terapia laser intrafetal realizado en nuestro país y resaltamos su eficacia, sencillez, bajo costo y abordaje ambulatorio en casos de secuencia TRAP.

A 41-year-old primigravida with double monochorionic biamniotic gestation, with a diagnosis of twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP) and poor perinatal prognosis underwent intrafetal laser surgery at 18 weeks of gestation. It was complicated with premature rupture of membranes that was managed expectantly until 33 weeks 3 days, when elective caesarean section was performed without complications. A healthy live newborn of 2,255 g was obtained and was discharged from the hospital on the 15th day of birth without complications. We report the first case of intrafetal laser surgery performed in our country and highlight its efficacy, simplicity, low cost and ambulatory approach in cases of TRAP sequence.

¿Cuál es el rol actual de la toracocentesis en el hidrotórax fetal severo? Presentación de caso

Se llama hidrotórax a una efusión pleural primaria que ocurre durante la vida prenatal (denominado 'quilotórax primario' después del nacimiento). En ciertos casos, esta efusión es severa y produce compresión pulmonar y cardiaca, por lo cual, la mortalidad perinatal sigue siendo alta. Los recién nacidos con hidrotórax requieren, muchas veces, de drenaje, nutrición parenteral total y medicación específica para su recuperación. Sin embargo, las intervenciones prenatales, principalmente con derivaciones toraco-amnióticas, pueden mejorar estos resultados. Reportamos el caso de un feto con hidrotórax severo a quien se le realizó una toracocentesis y revisamos la literatura acerca de su rol en el tratamiento prenatal actual.

Hydrothorax is a primary pleural effusion that occurs during prenatal life (called "primary chylothorax" after birth). In certain cases, this effusion is severe and produces pulmonary and cardiac compression, and perinatal mortality remains high. Newborns with hydrothorax often require drainage, total parenteral nutrition and specific medication for their recovery. However, prenatal interventions, mainly with thoraco-amniotic shunts, can improve these results. We report the case of a fetus with severe hydrothorax who underwent thoracentesis and review the literature on its role in current prenatal management.

Actualización del diagnóstico prenatal y cirugía fetal del mielomeningocele / Update on prenatal diagnosis and fetal surgery for myelomeningocele

A partir del estudio seminal Management of Myelomeningocele Study en el año 2011, el cual demostró que la reparación prenatal del defecto del mielomeningocele antes de la semana 26 mejoraba los resultados neurológicos, la cirugía fetal fue incorporada dentro de las opciones de estándar de cuidado. Así, el diagnóstico prenatal del mielomeningocele dentro de la ventana terapéutica se convirtió en un objetivo obligatorio y, por ello, se intensificó la investigación de estrategias de tamizaje, sobre todo, en el primer trimestre. Además, se desarrollaron distintas técnicas de cirugía fetal para mejorar los resultados neurológicos y disminuir los riesgos maternos. El objetivo de la siguiente revisión es actualizar los avances en tamizaje y diagnóstico prenatal en el primer y segundo trimestre, y en cirugía fetal abierta y fetoscópica del mielomeningocel

A seminal study titled Management of Myelomeningocele Study, from 2011, demonstrated that prenatal myelomeningocele defect repaired before 26 weeks of gestation improved neurological outcomes; based on this study, fetal surgery was introduced as a standard of care alternative. Thus, prenatal myelomeningocele diagnosis within the therapeutic window became a mandatory goal; therefore, research efforts on screening strategies were intensified, especially in the first trimester. In addition, different fetal surgery techniques were developed to improve neurological outcomes and reduce maternal risks. The objective of this review is to provide an update on the advances in prenatal screening and diagnosis during the first and second trimesters, and in open and fetoscopic fetal surgery for myelomeningocele

Diagnóstico prenatal de peritonitis meconial fetal: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura Prenatal

Se comunica el diagnóstico ultrasonográfico prenatal de un caso de peritonitis meconial en un feto de 33 semanas, quien nació de parto pretérmino y se confirmó el diagnóstico con ultrasonografía, radiografía y cirugía. El neonato fue sometido a laparotomía exploratoria, en la cual se desbridó un pseudoquiste meconial, resecándose el área intestinal perforada, y se realizó anastomosis términoterminal. La evolución inicial fue tórpida, pero finalmente fue dado de alta con buen funcionamiento intestinal.

We report the prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of a case of meconium peritonitis in a 33-week fetus, who was born preterm and the diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasound, radiography and postnatal surgery. The neonate underwent exploratory laparotomy, in which a meconium pseudocyst was debrided, the perforated intestinal area was resected and end-to-end anastomosis was performed. The initial evolution was torpid, but he was finally discharged with good intestinal function.

Cirurgias intrauterinas: alternativa de intervenção para as cardiopatias congênitas / Intrauterine surgeries: intervetion alternative for congenital cardiopathies

As cardiopatias congênitas são anormalidades estruturais ou funcionais do sistema cardiovascular, advindas desde o nascimento, mesmo que diagnosticadas posteriormente. Entre as malformações congênitas, as cardiopatias são as principais causas de mortalidade infantil nos Estados Unidos e em outros países desenvolvidos. Com o intuito de reduzir os efeitos progressivos dessas patologias, a intervenção intrauterina tem se destacado como opção terapêutica diante de resultados iniciais satisfatórios. O presente artigo teve por objetivo demonstrar a evolução da cirurgia intrauterina para correção cardíaca, a partir da avaliação dos benefícios ao feto e visando a riscos mínimos e aceitáveis para a mãe. Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados Publisher Medline (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS), incluindo artigos publicados entre 2008 e 2018; além da pesquisa efetuada no Manual de Medicina Fetal da SOGIMIG ­ 2018. Os critérios de elegibilidade são amplos. São necessários equipe multidisciplinar, equipamentos sofisticados e aperfeiçoamento da técnica, dessa forma dificulta-se a realização das cirurgias. Entretanto, diante dos resultados já demonstrados, a cirurgia intrauterina apresenta-se como alternativa terapêutica promissora.(AU)

The congenital cardiopathies are structural or functional abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, originated from birth, even when previously diagnosed. Among the congenic malformations, the cardiopathies are the main causes of infant mortality in the United States and in other developed countries. In order to reduce the progressive effects of these pathologies, intrauterine intervention has been highlighted as a therapeutic option in contempt of satisfactory initial results. This article has as goal to demonstrate the evolution of the intrauterine surgery for cardiac correction, based on the evaluation of the benefits to the fetus and aiming at minimum and acceptable risks to the mother. A research was made based on the Publisher Medline (PubMed) data base, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS), including published articles between 2008 and 2018. Beyond the research made on The fetal medicine manual from SOGIMIG ­ 2018. The eligibility criteria are broad. It is necessary a multidisciplinary team, sophisticated equipments and technique improvement, therefore interfering in the performance of surgeries. However, in contempt of the already demonstrated results the intrauterine surgery presents itself as a therapeutic promising alternative.(AU)

Fetoscopic laser surgery for twin to twin transfusion syndrome

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complication of circa 10% of all monochorionic pregnancies (MC). A predominantly unidirectional, net intertwin blood flow through placental vascular anastomoses triggers a variety of complex renal and cardiovascular disturbances in both fetuses. Left untreated, severe TTTS leads to a mortality rate above 80% and 15-50% morbidity in the survivors. Fetoscopic laser coagulation (FLC) of the placental anastomoses is the first line treatment for severe cases before 27 weeks and it has been shown to improve perinatal outcomes. The risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and prematurity associated with FLC has to be balanced with the risk of adopting expectant management in every particular case. Since there is no accurate way to predict the evolution of the disease, and no effective method to prevent post-procedure PPROM has been described, the indication of FLC is as challenging as the procedure itself.

El síndrome de transfusión de gemelo a gemelo (TTTS) complica alrededor del 10% de todos los embarazos monocoriónicos (MC). Un flujo sanguíneo intergemelar neto, predominantemente unidireccional, a través de anastomosis vasculares placentarias, desencadena una variedad de alteraciones renales y cardiovasculares complejas en ambos fetos. Sin tratamiento, el TTTS grave conduce a una mortalidad superior al 80% y una morbilidad del 15 a 50% en los sobrevivientes. La coagulación láser fetoscópica (CLF) de las anastomosis placentarias es el tratamiento de elección para casos graves antes de las 27 semanas y ha demostrado mejorar los resultados perinatales. El riesgo de rotura prematura de membranas (RPM) y de prematuridad asociada a CLF se debe sopesar con el riesgo de la conducta expectante en cada caso particular. Dado que no hay una manera precisa de predecir la evolución de la enfermedad, y no se ha descrito aun ningún método eficaz para prevenir la RPM posterior al procedimiento, la indicación de la CLF es tan desafiante como el procedimiento en sí mismo.

Novel multidisciplinary approach to monitor and treat fetuses with gastroschisis using the Svetliza Reducibility Index and the EXIT-like procedure / Nova abordagem multidisciplinar para monitorizar e tratar fetos com gastrosquise utilizando o Svetliza Reducibility Index e o procedimento EXIT-like

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe our initial experience with a novel approach to follow-up and treat gastroschisis in "zero minute" using the EXITlike procedure. Methods: Eleven fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis were evaluated. The Svetliza Reductibility Index was used to prospectively evaluate five cases, and six cases were used as historical controls. The Svetliza Reductibility Index consisted in dividing the real abdominal wall defect diameter by the larger intestinal loop to be fitted in such space. The EXIT-like procedure consists in planned cesarean section, fetal analgesia and return of the herniated viscera to the abdominal cavity before the baby can fill the intestines with air. No general anesthesia or uterine relaxation is needed. Exteriorized viscera reduction is performed while umbilical cord circulation is maintained. Results: Four of the five cases were performed with the EXIT-like procedure. Successful complete closure was achieved in three infants. The other cases were planned deliveries at term and treated by construction of a Silo. The average time to return the viscera in EXIT-like Group was 5.0 minutes, and, in all cases, oximetry was maintained within normal ranges. In the perinatal period, there were significant statistical differences in ventilation days required (p = 0.0169), duration of parenteral nutrition (p=0.0104) and duration of enteral feed (p=0.0294). Conclusion: The Svetliza Reductibility Index and EXIT-like procedure could be new options to follow and treat gastroschisis, with significantly improved neonatal outcome in our unit. Further randomized studies are needed to evaluate this novel approach.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a experiência inicial com a nova técnica cirúrgica EXIT-like para acompanhamento e correção de gastrosquise no "minuto zero". Métodos: Foram avaliados onze fetos com diagnóstico pré-natal de gastrosquise. O Svetliza Reducibility Index foi usado prospectivamente para avaliar cinco casos, e seis foram utilizados como controles. O índice foi calculado dividindo-se o diâmetro do defeito da parede abdominal pela maior alça intestinal que coubesse neste espaço. O procedimento EXIT-like compreendeu cesárea programada, analgesia fetal e redução da víscera herniada para a cavidade abdominal, antes da deglutição de ar pelo recém- nascido. Não são necessários anestesia geral e nem relaxamento uterino. A redução da víscera exteriorizada é realizada enquanto se mantém a circulação do cordão umbilical. Resultados: Quatro casos, dos cinco, foram submetidos ao EXIT-like. A correção foi completa em três casos. Os demais casos foram partos a termo planejados, e a correção do defeito foi feita com Silo. O tempo médio de redução da víscera foi de 5,0 minutos no grupo submetido ao procedimento EXITlike, e a oximetria foi mantida dentro dos valores de variação normal em todos os casos. No período perinatal, foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no tempo de ventilação mecânica (p=0,0169), duração da nutrição parenteral (p = 0,0104) e da nutrição enteral (p=0,0294). Conclusão: O Svetliza Reducibility Index e o procedimento EXIT-like podem ser novas opções para acompanhar e tratar gastroquise, com desfecho neonatal significativamente melhor em nossa unidade. Novos estudos randomizados são necessários para avaliar esta nova abordagem.

Comparison between two surgical techniques for prenatal correction of meningomyelocele in sheep / Comparação entre duas técnicas cirúrgicas de correção intrauterina da mielomeningocele em fetos de ovelha

OBJECTIVE: To compare the classical neurosurgical technique with a new simplified technique for prenatal repair of a myelomeningocelelike defect in sheep. METHODS: A myelomeningocele-like defect (laminectomy and dural excision) was created in the lumbar region on day 90 of gestation in 9 pregnant sheep. Correction technique was randomized. In Group 1 the defect was corrected using the classic neurosurgical technique of three-layer suture (dura mater, muscle and skin closure) performed by a neurosurgeon. In Group 2, a fetal medicine specialist used a biosynthetic cellulose patch to protect the spinal cord and only the skin was sutured above it. Near term (day 132 of gestation) fetuses were sacrificed for pathological analysis. RESULTS: There were two miscarriages and one maternal death. In total, six cases were available for pathological analysis, three in each group. In Group 1, there were adherence of the spinal cord to the scar (meningo-neural adhesion) and spinal cord architecture loss with posterior funiculus destruction and no visualization of grey matter. In Group 2, we observed in all cases formation of a neo-dura mater, separating the nervous tissue from adjacent muscles, and preserving the posterior funiculus and grey matter. CONCLUSION: The new simplified technique was better than the classic neurosurgical technique. It preserved the nervous tissue and prevented the adherence of the spinal cord to the scar. This suggests the current technique used for the correction of spina bifida in humans may need to be reassessed.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a técnica neurocirúrgica clássica a uma nova técnica simplificada, para correção de mielomeningocele, em fetos de ovelhas. MÉTODOS: Em 9 fetos, foi criado um defeito semelhante à mielomeningocele (laminectomia e excisão de dura-máter) no 90º dia de gestação. O tipo de correção foi randomizado. No Grupo 1, o defeito foi corrigido usando a técnica neurocirúrgica clássica, com a sutura de três camadas (dura-máter, músculo e pele), realizada por um neurocirurgião. No Grupo 2, um especialista em Medicina Fetal utilizou a técnica simplificada, colocando um fragmento de celulose biossintética sobre a medula e suturando apenas da pele sobre a celulose. Próximo ao termo da gestação (132 dias), os fetos foram sacrificados para análise anatomopatológica. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram dois casos de aborto e uma morte materna, restando seis casos para avaliação - três em cada grupo. No Grupo 1, todos os casos mostraram aderência da medula à cicatriz (meningoadesão) e perda da arquitetura medular, com destruição do funículo posterior e perda da visualização da substância cinzenta. No Grupo 2, observou-se, em todos os casos, a formação de uma neodura-máter, separando o tecido nervoso do músculo adjacente, sendo que o funículo posterior e a substância cinzenta estavam preservados. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica simplificada foi superior à neurocirúrgica, com maior preservação da medula e evitando as aderências do tecido nervoso. Os presentes achados sugerem que a técnica utilizada atualmente na correção de mielomeningocele em fetos humanos deva ser reavaliada.

Anestesia para tratamento intraparto extraútero (EXIT) em fetos com diagnóstico pré-natal de malformações cervical e oral: relato de casos / Anesthesia for ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT procedure) in fetus with prenatal diagnosis of oral and cervical malformations: case reports / Anestesia para el tratamiento intraparto extraútero (EXIT) en fetos con diagnóstico prenatal de malformaciones cervical y oral: relato de casos

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O feto com diagnóstico pré-natal de massa cervical, ou qualquer outra doença que obstrua as vias aéreas, não deve ser abordado de forma convencional por apresentar dois desafios ao médico assistente logo após o parto: o tempo limitado para se estabelecer o acesso a vias aéreas potencialmente difíceis e a ausência de anestesia do neonato caso seja necessária instrumentação das vias aéreas. O procedimento EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment - EXIT procedure) consiste em manter a circulação fetoplacentária durante a cesariana até que as vias aéreas do feto estejam asseguradas. RELATO DOS CASOS: Mulher de 37 anos, G3P2, 38 semanas de gestação, apresentando polidrâmnio e feto com grande massa cervical diagnosticada por ultrassonografia pré-natal. A cesariana foi realizada com procedimento EXIT para possibilitar o acesso seguro das vias aéreas. Após a histerotomia, o feto foi intubado sob laringoscopia direta. O concepto foi transferido imediatamente para outra sala de cirurgia, onde foi realizada a ressecção do tumor cervical e a traqueostomia, ambos com sucesso. Mulher de 27 anos, G3P1A1, idade gestacional de 32 semanas, cujo feto tinha diagnóstico pré-natal de grande tumor em região oral. O tumor obstruía as vias aéreas do feto e foi programada traqueostomia com técnica EXIT, no entanto, foi possível intubar o recém-nascido sob laringoscopia direta, sendo então submetido à ressecção do tumor e encaminhado à UTI neonatal. CONCLUSÕES: Os relatos descrevem o uso bem sucedido de anestesia geral com isoflurano para a realização de cesariana seguida de procedimento EXIT em fetos com tumores obstruindo as vias aéreas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fetus prenatally diagnosed with neck tumors, or with any other disease that obstructs the airways, should not be treated conventionally, as the assistant physician has to face two challenges right after the infant's delivery: the limited time to establish the access to the potentially difficult airways and the lack of anesthesia of the neonate in case of instrumentation of the airways. The ex utero intrapartum treatment, i.e., the EXIT procedure consists of maintaining the fetoplacental circulation during the cesarean section, until the airways of the fetus be secured. CASE REPORTS: Female patient, 37 years old, G3P2, 38 weeks pregnant, having polyhydramnios and fetus diagnosed with large cervical masses by prenatal ultrasound. A cesarean section was performed using the EXIT procedure to enable safe access to the infant's airways. After hysterotomy, the fetus was intubated by direct laryngoscopy. The neonate was immediately transferred to another operating room, where cervical tumor resection of the neck tumor and tracheostomy were successfully performed. Female patient, 27 years old, G3P1A1, 32 weeks pregnant, whose fetus was prenatally diagnosed with a large oral tumor. As the tumor obstructed the fetus' airways, a tracheostomy was performed when the fetus underwent EXIT procedure. It was then possible to use direct laryngoscopy for neonate intubation. The fetus underwent tumor resection and was sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. CONCLUSIONS: Reports describe the successful use of general anesthesia with isoflurane for cesarean delivery followed by the EXIT procedure in fetus diagnosed with tumors obstructing the airways.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El feto con diagnóstico prenatal de masa cervical, o cualquier otra enfermedad que obstruya las vías aéreas, no debe ser abordado de forma convencional por presentar dos retos para el médico asistente inmediatamente después del parto: a) el tiempo limitado para establecer el acceso a las vías aéreas potencialmente difíciles y b) la ausencia de anestesia del neonato en el caso de que sea necesaria la instrumentación de las vías aéreas. El procedimiento EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment - EXIT procedure), consiste en mantener la circulación feto-placentaria durante la cesárea hasta que las vías aéreas del feto estén aseguradas. RELATO DE LOS CASOS: Mujer de 37 años, G3P2, 38 semanas de embarazo, presentando un polihidramnios y feto con gran masa cervical diagnosticada por ultrasonido prenatal. La cesárea fue realizada con el procedimiento EXIT para posibilitar el acceso seguro a las vías aéreas. Después de la histerotomía, el feto fue intubado bajo laringoscopia directa. Fue transferido inmediatamente a otra sala de cirugía, donde se le hizo la resección del tumor cervical y la traqueostomía, ambos con éxito. Mujer de 27 años, G3P1A1, edad gestacional de 32 semanas, cuyo feto tenía un diagnostico prenatal de gran tumor en la región oral. El tumor obstruía las vías aéreas del feto y fue programada la traqueostomía con técnica EXIT. Sin embargo, se pudo intubar al recién nacido bajo laringoscopia directa, siendo entonces sometido a la resección del tumor y derivado a la UCI neonatal. CONCLUSIONES: Los relatos describen el uso exitoso de la anestesia general con el isoflurano para la realización de la cesárea seguida de procedimiento EXIT en fetos con tumores obstruyendo las vías aéreas.

Modification of the gasless fetoscopy technique for the treatment of large myelomeningocele: a study in sheep / Modificação da técnica de fetoscopia de suspensão para tratamento fetal de grandes meningomieloceles: estudo em ovelhas

Objective: To change the gasless fetoscopy technique in order to reduce the diameter of entry orifices in the myometrium. Methods: Seven pregnant ewes were submitted to fetoscopy for repairing a large skin defect measuring 4.0 x 3.0 cm, created in the fetal lumbar region at the gestational age of 100 days. The defect was repaired through continuous suture of the skin with approximation of borders. Gasless fetoscopy was used for performing the suture with three orifices to allow entry of the trocar into the myometrium. A 5.0-mm optical trocar, and 3.5-mm grasping, dissecting and suturing forceps were used. After surgery, pregnancy was maintained until the animals were euthanized on the 133rd day of gestation, and the fetuses were evaluated. Results: Seven pregnant ewes underwent surgery; the first two cases were characterized as the Pilot Group, in which the endoscopic technique was modified and caliber reduction was possible in two out of three entry orifices in the myometrium. In the five remaining cases (Study Group), the repair was successfully carried out in all the fetuses, and the mean duration of fetoscopy was 98 minutes. There was a case of maternal death attributed to intrauterine infection. Mean intrauterine permanence after surgery was 12 days. Conclusions: The technique was successfully modified, allowing reduction of the uterine orifices necessary to perform the repair of a skin defect in the fetal lumbar region through a new fetoscopy technique. The impact of this modification in repair of myelomeningocele in human fetuses should be studied.

Objetivo: Modificar a técnica de fetoscopia de suspensão para redução do calibre dos orifícios de entrada no miométrio. Métodos: Sete ovelhas grávidas foram submetidas à fetoscopia para correção de um grande defeito de pele medindo 4,0 x 3,0 cm, criado na região lombar fetal com 100 dias de gestação. O defeito era corrigido através de sutura contínua da pele, aproximando-se as suas bordas. Para realizar a sutura, foi realizada a fetoscopia de suspensão, utilizando-se três orifícios para entrada de trocarte no miométrio. O trocarte da ótica era de 5,0 mm e das pinças de apreensão, dissecção e sutura eram de 3,5 mm. Após a cirurgia, a gestação era mantida até o sacrifício, realizado no 133º dia de gestação, quando os fetos eram avaliados. Resultados: Sete ovelhas prenhes foram operadas. Os dois primeiros casos constituíram o Grupo Piloto, no qual a técnica endoscópica foi modificada e a redução do calibre foi possível em dois dos três orifícios de entrada no miométrio. Nos cinco demais casos (Grupo de Estudo) a correção foi realizada com sucesso em todos os fetos e o tempo médio de duração da fetoscopia foi de 98 minutos. Houve um caso de morte materna atribuído à infecção intrauterina. A média de permanência intraútero após a cirurgia foi de 12 dias. Conclusões: A técnica foi modificada com sucesso, permitindo a redução do calibre dos orifícios uterinos necessários para realizar a correção de um defeito de pele na região lombar do feto através de uma nova técnica de fetoscopia. O impacto desta modificação na correção da meningomielocele em fetos humanos deve ser estudado.

Comparação entre duas técnicas cirúrgicas para correção intra-uterina de meningomielocele em feto de ovelha / Comparison between two surgical technique for prenatal correction of meningomyelocele in sheep

Introdução: A incidência de defeitos do tubo neural é de cerca de 1/1000 nascimentos. Na mielomenngocele, o tratamento intra-uterino utilizando a técnica neurocirúrgica clássica, apresenta melhor prognóstico neurológico, do que o tratamento pós natal, mas está associado a complicações maternas e fetais. Novas técnicas de correção estão sendo estudadas para diminuir a morbidade materna e fetal. Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos sobre a medula de duas técnicas cirúrgicas de correção intra-uterina de um defeito semelhante à mielomeningocele , em fetos de ovelha. Métodos: Em 15 fetos foi criado um defeito semelhante à mielomeningocele (laminectomia e excisão de dura-máter) no 90° dia de gestação. O tipo de correção foi randomizado. No grupo 1, o defeito foi corrigido usando a técnica neurocirúrgica clássica, com a sutura de três camadas (dura-máter, músculo e pele), realizada por um neurocirurgião. No grupo 2, um especialista em Medicina Fetal, utilizou uma técnica simplificada, colocando um fragmento de celulose Biosintética sobre a medula e suturando apenas a pele sobre a celulose. Próximo ao termo da gestação (132° dias), os fetos foram sacrificados para análise anatomopatológica. Resultados: Ocorreram 1 morte materna, 3 casos de trabalho de parto precoce e 4 tardios. Um total de 10 casos foram viáveis para avaliação anatomopatológica 10 casos, 6 no grupo 1 e 4 no grupo 2. No grupo 1, todos os casos mostraram aderência da medula à cicatriz (meningoadesão) e perda da arquitetura medular por destruição do funículo posterior e 5 de 6 casos apresentaram perda da visualização da substância cinzenta. No grupo 2, observamos em todos os casos, a formação de uma neoduramater, separando o tecido nervoso do músculo adjacente, sendo que o funículo posterior e a substância cinzenta estavam preservados. Conclusão: A técnica simplificada foi superior à técnica neurocirúrgica, com maior preservação da medula e evitando as aderências do tecido nervoso. Nossos...

Introduction: The incidence of neural tube defects is about 1/1000 births. In myelomeninocele, the intrauterine treatment with the classical neurosurgical technique suggest better neurological prognosis for the fetus, than postnatal treatment, but it is associated with maternal and fetal complications. New correction techniques are being studied to decrease maternal and fetal morbidity. Objective: To compare the effects on the medulla of two surgical techniques for intrauterine correction of myelomeningocele-like defect in sheep. Methods: In 15 pregnant sheep a myelomeningocele -like defect (laminectomy and dural excision) was created in the lumbar region in 90o day gestation. The type of correction was randomized. In group 1 the defect was corrected using the classic neurosurgical technique of three layers suture (dura-mater, muscle and skin closure) performed by a neurosurgeon. In group 2, a fetal medicine specialist used a biosynthetic cellulose patch to protect the medulla and only the skin was sutured above it. Near term (132o day gestation) fetuses were sacrificed for pathological analysis. Results: One maternal death occurred, early preterm labour, and late preterm labour occurred in 3 and 4 cases, respectively. A total of 10 cases were available for pathological analysis, 6 in group 1 and 4 in group 2. In group 1, all the cases showed a adherence of the medulla to the scar (meningoneural adhesion) and a destruction of the normal architecture of nervous tissue, whithout view of posterior funiculus and in 5 of 6 cases without view of grey matter. In group 2, in all the cases were observed a formation of an organized tissue involving the cellulose patch, a neoduramater, separating the nervous tissue of adjacent muscle, preserving the posterior funicullus and grey matter. Conclusion: The simplified new technique was better than the classical neurosurgical technique. It preserved the nervous tissued and avoided the adherence of the medulla to the scar....

Simplified correction of a meningomyelocele-like defect in the ovine fetus / Correção simplificada de um defeito semelhante à meningomielocele em fetos de ovelha

PURPOSE: To develop a simplified technique for antenatal correction of a meningomyelocele -like defect in fetal sheep to allow direct skin closure. METHODS: A spinal defect was surgically created at 75 days of gestation in the fetuses of 36 pregnant sheep, 23 survived the surgery. At 102 days gestation, the defect was corrected in 14 cases (9 were left untreated). Skin surrounding the defect was dissected below the dermis to permit its edges to be approximated and sutured, without interposing any material to its edges. An interface material intended to protect the neural tissue from skin adhesion was used and the skin defect was completely closed over it. Pregnancy was allowed to continue up to 138 days gestation, the fetuses were submitted to macroscopic and microscopic analysis. RESULTS: The defect was successfully corrected in 90.9 percent in the experimental group, and spontaneous closure occurred in 22.3 percent in the control group (p < 0.05). The survival rate after the creation and correction of the defect was 63.4 percent and 78 percent respectively. CONCLUSION: This simplified technique was successful in the correction a meningomyelocele-like defect, in the fetal sheep.

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver uma técnica simplificada de correção pré-natal de defeito semelhante à mielomeningocele em fetos de ovelha permitindo um fechamento direto da pele. MÉTODOS: Um defeito espinhal foi cirurgicamente criado com 75 dias de gestação, em 36 fetos de ovelha, 23 sobreviveram à cirurgia. Após 102 dias de gestação, o defeito foi corrigido em 14 casos (9 não foram tratados). A pele em volta do defeito foi dissecada abaixo da derme para permitir a aproximação direta das bordas através de sutura, sem a interposição de nenhum material entre a pele. Um material de interface foi colocado entre o tecido neural exposto e a pele, com o objetivo de evitar a adesão da medula à pele, que foi completamente fechada sobre o defeito. A gravidez foi mantida até 138 dias, os fetos foram submetidos a análises macroscópicas e microscópicas. RESULTADOS: O defeito foi corrigido em 90.9 por cento no grupo experimental, e o fechamento espontâneo ocorreu em 22.3 por cento no grupo controle (p < 0.05). A taxa de sobrevivência após a criação do defeito e posteriormente a sua correção foi de 63,4 por cento e 78 por cento, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Esta técnica simplificada teve sucesso na correção do defeito semelhante à mielomeningocele em feto de ovelha.