What is Endoscopic Fetoscopy
Endoscopic fetoscopy is a procedure that is done during pregnancy to examine the fetus. The procedure involves placing a thin, lighted device (endoscope) into the uterus through a tiny incision in the abdomen. The procedure is often done within the 18th–20th weeks of pregnancy.
You may have endoscopic fetoscopy to diagnose a problem during pregnancy. Certain problems can get worse during labor and birth or may get worse right after birth. These types of problems may need to be treated before birth.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
- Any blood disorders you have.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Early rupture and leakage of amniotic fluid membranes.
- Early (preterm) labor.
- Pregnancy loss.
What happens before the procedure?
- Follow your health care provider’s instructions about eating or drinking restrictions.
What happens during the procedure?
- An IV tube will be inserted in a vein.
- Monitoring equipment will be attached to your belly (abdomen) to check your baby’s heart rate during the procedure.
- Ultrasound images of your baby and your uterus will guide your health care provider during surgery.
- Your abdomen will be cleaned with a germ-killing solution (antiseptic).
- You will be given a medicine that numbs the area where the endoscope will be inserted (local anesthetic).
- The surgeon will make a small incision and insert a sharp instrument (trocar) that will be used to enter your abdomen and uterus.
- The surgeon will remove the trocar and insert the endoscope.
- Images of your baby will be projected on a monitor.
- The surgeon will use the endoscope to perform all examination, testing, and treatment.
- After the procedure, the surgeon will remove the endoscope and close the tissue under your skin with a few stitches (sutures).
- A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the incision.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may have to stay in a recovery area after the procedure to make sure there are no signs of premature labor or ruptured membranes.
- If you also had another procedure done during the fetoscopy, your health care provider will give you instructions for follow-up care.
Endoscopic Fetoscopy, Care After
Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, it is common to have:
- Mild cramping.
- Mild soreness near the incision area.
- Slight leaking of vaginal fluid.
Follow these instructions at home:
- There
are many different ways to close and cover an incision, including
stitches, skin glue, and adhesive strips. Follow your health care
provider’s instructions about:
- Incision care.
- Bandage (dressing) changes and removal.
- Incision closure removal.
- Check
your incision area every day for signs of infection. Watch for:
- Redness, swelling, or pain.
- Fluid, blood, or pus.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have chills or a fever.
- You have low back pain.
- You have a change in vaginal discharge.
- You become dizzy.
- You have redness, swelling, or pain in your incision area that is getting worse.
- Fluid that is leaking from the incision site increases over time or becomes thick, yellow, or bad-smelling.
Get help right away if:
- You have cramps or contractions.
- You have severe back or abdominal pain.
- You have persistent leaking or gushing of vaginal fluid.
- You have vaginal bleeding.
- You do not feel your baby move.
