Peritoneo-Amniotic Shunting in Isolated Fetal Ascites of Unknown Origin.

Choi, Jeong Won; Moon, Jong Pil; Hwang, Tae Gi; Ji, Ill Woon; Jeong, Eun Hwan; Kim, Hak Soon

Case Report

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2003;46(12):2492-2495.
Published online December 1, 2003.

Peritoneo-Amniotic Shunting in Isolated Fetal Ascites of Unknown Origin.

Jeong Won Choi, Jong Pil Moon, Tae Gi Hwang, Ill Woon Ji, Eun Hwan Jeong, Hak Soon Kim

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea.

Abstract

Although sporadic cases of transient fetal ascites have been described, pulmonary hypoplasia or hydrops fetalis may occur as potentially lethal complications of isolated fetal ascites. Antenatal fetal paracentesis may be useful in improving neonatal pulmonary function, however rapid accumulation of fluid after paracentesis usually required repetitive invasive procedures. We successfully treated an isolated fetal ascites with peritoneo- amniotic shunt. Under the ultrasonographic guidence, we inserted a Double-Basket Catheter into the left lower quadrant of fetal abdominal wall at the end of second trimester. Shunt remained in place until the fetus was delivered at term. The peritoneo-amniotic shunt can improve fetal outcome and avoid repeated paracentesis before delivery.

Key Words: Isolated fetal ascites, Peritoneo-amniotic shunt

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