Sonographically monitored amniocentesis to decrease intraoperative complications.

The rates of intraoperative complications (dry and bloody taps) of two amniocentesis techniques were compared in 1300 patients undergoing second trimester procedures for genetic indications. The sonographically guided technique consisted of the selection of a site for needle insertion with ultrasound, removal of the transducer, and immediate amniocentesis. The sonographically monitored technique consisted of the continuous visualization of the needle during the entire procedure. Six hundred twelve amniocenteses were performed with the sonographically guided technique and 688 with the sonographically monitored technique. There was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of bloody and dry taps of the first needle insertion (relative risk = 38%, P less than .0001) and also in the number of patients that required multiple needle insertions (relative risk = 42%, P less than .0001) with the sonographically monitored technique.