ABSTRACT
In utero fetal surgery continues to develop with improved diagnostic techniques, patient selection, and the use of innovative fetal therapies. e broad categories of surgical in utero fetal therapy can be separated into open uterine techniques and minimally invasive endoscopic/ ultrasound-guided techniques that require only puncture of the uterus with single or multiple ports. Benets of minimally invasive fetal intervention include diminished exposure of the mother and fetus to the traumatic nature of open fetal surgery. Minimally invasive, or “closed” techniques may result in decreased uterine irritability and a decreased incidence of preterm delivery the “Achilles’ heel” of open fetal surgery. In addition, minimally invasive surgery does not subject the mother to the sequelae of a hysterotomy or commit her to cesarean delivery for subsequent pregnancies.
