Successful outcome after Nd : YAG laser separation of chorioangiopagus-twins under sonoendoscopic control.

Endoscopic laser coagulation of the chorioangiopagus was successfully performed at 25 weeks' gestation in a pregnancy presenting with acute polyhydramnios due to twin transfusion syndrome. Under local anesthesia, a rigid fetoscope housed in a 2.7 mm diameter cannula was introduced transabdominally into the amniotic cavity and the communicating vessels were coagulated by Nd : YAG laser through a fiber that was passed down the side-arm of the cannula. There was rapid normalization of urine output in both fetuses and resolution of the oligo- and polyhydramnios in the donor and recipient twins, respectively. Furthermore, there was normalization in both fetal circulations, as assessed by Doppler velocimetry, and there was gradual resolution of the hydrops in the recipient. Two healthy babies were born 9 weeks after the procedure. Copyright 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology