Fetoscopy: What To Think About

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What To Think About

• Fetal ultrasound is used to guide the placement of the fetoscope so that the fetus is not harmed. For more information, see the medical test Fetal Ultrasound.
• Fetoscopy is usually done only for women who have a high risk of having a child with a major birth defect that can be found only using fetoscopy. Other tests (such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and fetal ultrasound) can detect many birth defects and inherited diseases and have a lower risk of causing problems. For more information, see the medical tests Amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, and Fetal Ultrasound.
• Surgical procedures using fetoscopy are being developed. Surgery has been used to correct problems such as abnormal blood flow between twin fetuses and a condition called amniotic bands that can deform limbs and other structures in a fetus. However, this type of surgery is still experimental.
• The skill of the doctor who does the fetoscopy is important. Doctors experienced in performing fetoscopy have fewer problems resulting from the procedure.
• Fetoscopy is usually available only at large medical centers.

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