Operative interventional fetoscopy: Management of fetal anemia by intrauterine transfusion

Today the management of fetal anemia by intrauterine transfusion is a rather well known procedure by which one is able to help fetuses by intrauterine transfusion if they suffer from anemia. Hints for fetal anemia can be seen from ultrasound doppler, when the maximum systolic velocity in an appropriate vessel, e.g. Art. cerebri media, is monitored. Indications for cordocentesis result from an elevated maximum velocity of fetal blood flow or from an increase in antibodies found in the maternal circulation, e.g. rhesus antibodies. By intrauterine transfusion the fetus can normally be kept inside the uterus to develope and normally these fetusses arc delivered in 37(th) week of pregnancy with no hints for fetal damage due to the rhesus disease. Compared to the time before where intrauterine transfusion was not possible this is a dramatic increase of fetal wellbeing.