Fetoscopy: How It Is Done

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How It Is Done

Before fetoscopy

• Your doctor will check the fetal heart rate.
• You may be given medicine such as meperidine (Demerol) to prevent the fetus from moving around a lot.

During the procedure

• You will be instructed to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist.
• You will then lie on your back with your upper body slightly raised to relax your stomach muscles.
• Your lower abdomen will be cleaned with antiseptic, and you will be given an injection of medicine to numb the skin where the fetoscope will be inserted.
• You will also be given a sedative to help you relax and to reduce fetal movement during the procedure.
• The doctor will determine the position of the fetus and the placenta using fetal ultrasound scanning. Ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to create a picture of the uterus, fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid on a video screen.
• With the ultrasound picture as a guide, your doctor will select the best place to make a small cut in your belly and uterus and then insert the fetoscope directly into the uterus. The doctor can then look at the fetus, collect samples of fetal blood or skin, and operate on the fetus if needed.

After the procedure

• The fetoscope is removed, the incision is closed with stitches, and a bandage is applied.
• Fetal ultrasound may be repeated to check for fetal movement and evaluate the level of amniotic fluid.
• You and your fetus will be monitored for several hours after the procedure.
• Ultrasound will be repeated the day after the fetoscopy to check the fetus and the placenta.

The entire procedure takes from 1 to 2 hours.

Last updated:	June 28, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer