Fetoscopic laser ablation therapy in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated at a single centre over 10 years: a retrospective study

Objectives To review experience with fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomoses to treat monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in a single centre over a ten-year period. Methods A retrospective study on 142 MCDA twin pregnancies complicates by TTTS treated with equatorial laser ablation of placental anastomoses (2008-2018). Solomon technique was also applied after 2013. Survival rates, neonatal outcome, intraoperative and post-laser complications were recorded, and prognostic factors analysed. Results A total of 133 cases were included in the final analysis; 41 patients were at stage II (30.8%), 73 were at stage III (62.9%), while only 12 (9%) at stage I and two patients (1.7%) at stage IV. Solomon technique was applied in 39 cases (29.3%). Survival of both twins was 51.1% (68/133), of a single twin 20.3% (27/133), and of at least one 71.5% (95/133), with an overall survival of 61.3% (163/266). TAPS and recurrent TTTS occurred in 8 (6%) and 15 (11.3%) patients. Survival of both fetuses increased over time (44.6 vs. 57.3%). A posterior placenta (p<0.003) and the use of the Solomon technique (p<0.02) were more frequent in cases with survival of both fetuses, while TTTS recurrence was significantly associated to the loss of one or two fetuses (p<0.01). Such associations were confirmed at logistic regression analysis. Conclusions Survival of both twins can improve over time and seems to be favourably associated with a placenta in the posterior location and the use of the Solomon technique.

Automated summary

This study reviewed the experience of fetoscopic laser ablation in treating MCDA twin pregnancies complicated by TTTS in a single center over a ten-year period. The results showed that the survival rate of both twins improved over time and was positively associated with a posterior placenta location and the use of the Solomon technique.