• Haruhiko Sago, Keisuke Ishii, Rika Sugibayashi, Katsusuke Ozawa, Masahiro Sumie, and Seiji Wada.
• Center for Maternal-Fetal, Neonatal and Reproductive Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
• J. Obstet. Gynaecol. Res. 2018 May 1; 44 (5): 831-839.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to review fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP), which ablates placental vascular anastomoses to treat twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). A review of studies reporting on the procedures, outcomes, complications and nonconventional applications of FLP for TTTS was conducted. FLP has been established as the primary treatment for monochorionic twin pregnancy associated with TTTS at 16-26 weeks. FLP is the only therapy that directly addresses the underlying pathophysiology. The recent technique modification of FLP, referred to as the 'Solomon technique', induces selective coagulation to connect the anastomoses ablation sites and has been introduced to reduce residual anastomoses. The perinatal survival following FLP improved significantly with advances in the technique after its introduction. The recent survival rates of both twins and at least one twin are 70% and more than 90%, respectively. However, there is still an 11-14% risk of long-term neurodevelopment impairment. The premature rupture of membranes that leads to preterm labor is a common complication after FLP. FLP is a valuable treatment option for feto-fetal transfusion syndrome in triplets and for TTTS after 26 weeks. FLP for selective intrauterine growth restriction may be potentially beneficial when accompanied by abnormal Doppler findings and oligohydramnios. FLP is the optimal treatment option for TTTS at 16-26 weeks of gestation. FLP appears to be applicable in triplets, TTTS after 26 weeks and cases of selective intrauterine growth restriction with abnormal Doppler findings and oligohydramnios. FLP is the most common and successful fetal intervention. Improvement in the neurodevelopmental outcomes after FLP is a future focus.© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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