Objective: Evaluation of the initial results of selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental blood vessels for severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the Netherlands.
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Method: Between August 2000 and December 31, 2002, 49 patients were included with severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Treatment took place in the Leiden University Medical Centre and consisted of selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of anastomoses along the vascular equator on the placental surface. Follow-up was complete until six weeks after delivery.
Results: Median gestational age was 20 weeks at fetoscopy and 34 weeks at birth. Perinatal survival rate was 65% (64/98). The treatment resulted in at least one surviving child in 80% of pregnancies.
Conclusion: The results of fetoscopic laser treatment for severe second-trimester twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in the Netherlands are similar to the recent results in specialised foreign centres.