• J M Middeldorp, F J Klumper, D Oepkes, E Lopriore, H H Kanhai, and F P Vandenbussche.
• Afd. Verloskunde, Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden. j.m.middeldorp@lumc.nl
• Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2004 Jun 12; 148 (24): 1203-8.

ObjectiveEvaluation of the initial results of selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental blood vessels for severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the Netherlands.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodBetween August 2000 and December 31, 2002, 49 patients were included with severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Treatment took place in the Leiden University Medical Centre and consisted of selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of anastomoses along the vascular equator on the placental surface. Follow-up was complete until six weeks after delivery.ResultsMedian gestational age was 20 weeks at fetoscopy and 34 weeks at birth. Perinatal survival rate was 65% (64/98). The treatment resulted in at least one surviving child in 80% of pregnancies.ConclusionThe results of fetoscopic laser treatment for severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the Netherlands are similar to the recent results in specialised foreign centres.

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