Peritoneo-Amniotic Shunting in Isolated Fetal Ascites of Unknown Origin / 대한산부인과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Although sporadic cases of transient fetal ascites have been described, pulmonary hypoplasia or hydrops fetalis may occur as potentially lethal complications of isolated fetal ascites. Antenatal fetal paracentesis may be useful in improving neonatal pulmonary function, however rapid accumulation of fluid after paracentesis usually required repetitive invasive procedures. We successfully treated an isolated fetal ascites with peritoneo- amniotic shunt. Under the ultrasonographic guidence, we inserted a Double-Basket Catheter into the left lower quadrant of fetal abdominal wall at the end of second trimester. Shunt remained in place until the fetus was delivered at term. The peritoneo-amniotic shunt can improve fetal outcome and avoid repeated paracentesis before delivery.