Fetal Surgery

About TTTS

Our Team

Patients Guide

Photocoagulation Treatment

Alternatives to Treatment

Criteria

Risks/Benefits/Complications

Referring Physicians' Resource

Web Resources on TTTS

 Results of the Procedure

Only six other institutions in the United States are currently able to use this treatment for TTTS. They have all had encouraging results:

• in 80% of the cases, one twin survives
• in 70% of the cases both twins survive
• less than 5% of surviving twins have brain damage

This compares favorably with the other treatments, where survival is lower and the brain damage rate is higher.

Risks

As with any surgery, laser photocoagulation does not come without risk. Here is a list of some of the possible problems that may happen with this procedure.  These problems rarely happen, and we take every precaution to ensure that these risks are as low as possible. 

• Infection of the amniotic cavity may occur. Antibiotics are given in attempt to avoid this complication.
• Bleeding in the mother and/or the babies may occur during the procedure, which may prevent the completion of the procedure.  Extremely small instruments (2.0-3.5 mm) are used to decrease the overall risk.  Most bleeding is easily controlled, however if the bleeding is very heavy, an abdominal skin incision with delivery of the babies may be needed to stop it.
• Injury to the mother or to the babies may occur from the procedure.  Ultrasound is used to watch the babies throughout the procedure as a guide to help to prevent injury from occurring.
• Premature labor or leakage of amniotic fluid may happen as a result of the surgery.  The very small size of the instruments helps to decrease this risk. In addition we give medications to relax the uterus and reduce the chance of contractions.
• Miscarriage or Fetal death may occur as a result of this procedure.