European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
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Invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are increasingly applied to the fetus. It is not known if the fetus feels pain during such procedures, but the fetus does mount significant stress hormonal and circulatory changes in response to these from 18-20 weeks. ⋯ However, in closed procedures, fetal analgesia presents difficulties. The optimal drug, dose, and route of administration remain to be determined.
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Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. · Sep 2000
ReviewCurrent experience with fetoscopy and the Eurofoetus registry for fetoscopic procedures.
Fetoscopy has consolidated its position in fetal medicine, thanks to a combination of insight into the pathophysiology of selected conditions that are amenable to fetal surgery and the technical innovations in endoscopic equipment. In clinical practice, two types of fetoscopy can be discerned: Obstetrical Endoscopy and Endoscopic Fetal Surgery. The first involves surgical interventions on the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes. ⋯ In this review, we aimed at bringing together currently available experience. We suggest that future developments of fetal endoscopic operations will involve a mixture of concepts from both fetoscopy types to reduce maternal invasiveness and complications, eventually improving acceptance by parents and doctors. We encourage the registration of all experience in a yet available open registry for prospective data collection, supported by the European Commission, with as primary target the assessment of maternal and fetal safety.