ABSTRACT
The development of both open and minimal-access fetal surgical techniques continues to evolve.12 Anesthesia of the mother and her baby is established with halogenated agents, which also provide profound uterine relaxation. Additionally, an epidural catheter is inserted to enhance postoperative pain control. In the operating room, the mother is positioned in the left-lateral decubitus position to avoid inferior vena caval compression by the gravid uterus. Maternal monitoring is accomplished with standard techniques including pulse oximetry, a radial arterial catheter, a blood pressure cuff, large-bore i.v. catheters, measurement of urine output, and an electrocardiogram. The two principal routes of access to the fetus will be discussed later.
