Fetoscopic laser ablation in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: tips for counselling

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication that affects approximately 10-15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. The most important role for the development of this condition is the presence of an unbalanced flow through the inter-twin vascular anastomoses. Depending on the number, type and direction of the connecting vessels, blood can be transfused disproportionately from one twin (the donor) to the other twin (the recipient). The diagnosis is defined prenatally by ultrasound and involves of two main criteria: the presence of a monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancy; and the presence of oligohydramnios in the donor's sac- deep vertical pocket (DVP) 2 cm - and polyhydramnios in the recipient's sac- DVP>8 cm. Once diagnosed, TTTS is usually graded by using the Quintero staging system, that is composed by five stages, from oligohydramnios in the donor and polyhydramnios in the recipient twin to fetal demise in one or both twins. Photocoagulation of the anastomotic vessels, usually followed by equatorial dichorionization, it has currently become the most common fetoscopic operation today and is considered as the gold standard for stage II-IV TTTS. pPROM, chorioamniotic separation and iatrogenic preterm birth arc among the most common complications of fetoscopic laser ablation, and the mean gestational age at delivery after laser procedure is about 31 weeks.

Automated summary

TTTS is a serious complication affecting approximately 10-15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies, caused by unbalanced flow through inter-twin vascular anastomoses. Diagnosis is made prenatally through ultrasound criteria including MCDA pregnancy, oligohydramnios in the donor and polyhydramnios in the recipient. Laser photocoagulation of anastomotic vessels is the most common treatment, considered the gold standard for stages II-IV of TTTS.