Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: experience from a single institution.

Abstract Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is the commonest serious complication of monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies, with perinatal mortality rates of up to 90% if untreated. This study aimed to review the perinatal and perioperative outcomes of MC twin pregnancies treated for TTTS by fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) since the introduction of the procedure at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, in 2011. This was a retrospective review of five consecutive patients who underwent FLP of placental anastomoses for TTTS at KK Women's and Children's Hospital from June 2011 to March 2014. FLP was offered to patients who were diagnosed with TTTS of at least Quintero Stage II before 26 weeks of gestation. Main outcome measures were perioperative complications and perinatal survival rates. Five sets of MC twin pregnancies underwent FLP during the study period - three pregnancies were diagnosed with TTTS Stage III and two pregnancies were diagnosed with TTTS Stage II. Median gestational age at initial presentation, and at the times of laser photocoagulation and delivery were 19 (range 17-20) weeks, 20 (range 19-23) weeks and 29 (range 28-34) weeks, respectively. One patient had bleeding into the amniotic cavity intraprocedurally. Overall, perinatal survival rate, double-infant survival rate and survival rate for at least one twin were 60% (6/10 fetuses), 40% (2/5 twins) and 80% (4/5 twins), respectively. FLP is a feasible treatment for TTTS, with minimal maternal complications. Perinatal survival rates of this patient group, managed at our centre, were comparable to those of international centres.