The role of fetoscopy in antenatal diagnosis.

The application of fetoscopy has been limited thus far, but many uses can be envisioned for the future. Fetal blood sampling via fetoscopy provides information concerning haemoglobinopathies, various enzymatic activities, immunological competence, and haematological status. In addition to direct visualization for fetal malformations, fetoscopy could prove useful for intrauterine therapeutics. For example, intrauterine transfusion under direct visualization would allow earlier treatment of Rh-sensitized erythroblastoic fetuses, and administration of pharmacological agents and nutrients seems feasible.