Thoraco-amniotic shunting.

Thoraco-amniotic shunting was performed in 51 singleton pregnancies for decompression and chronic drainage of fetal pleural effusions (n = 47), pericardial effusion (n = 1), or pulmonary cysts (n = 3). Five fetuses had chromosomal defects and in 4 the parents elected termination of pregnancy. All 18 non-hydropic fetuses and 14 of the 28 with hydrops survived. Thoraco-amniotic shunting is useful for diagnostic evaluation and treatment of fetuses with pathologic collection of intrathoracic fluid.