Fetoscopy
Fetoscopy
Fetoscopy (pronounced: feh-TOS-ko-pee) is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a thin, flexible instrument called a fetoscope into the uterus to observe the fetus during pregnancy. The term is derived from the Latin fetus, meaning offspring, and the Greek skopein, meaning to look at or examine.
Procedure
The fetoscope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen, guided by ultrasound imaging. The fetoscope allows the doctor to view the fetus, the umbilical cord, and the placenta. Fetoscopy is typically performed between the 18th and 21st weeks of pregnancy.
Uses
Fetoscopy is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It can be used to diagnose certain congenital abnormalities and genetic disorders, such as spina bifida and Down syndrome. Therapeutically, it can be used to perform procedures such as fetal blood transfusion and fetal surgery.
Risks
Like any invasive procedure, fetoscopy carries some risks. These include potential harm to the fetus, infection, bleeding, and premature labor. The risks and benefits of the procedure should be carefully weighed and discussed with a healthcare provider.
Related Terms
- Amniocentesis: A procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the sac surrounding the fetus for testing.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): A prenatal test that involves taking a sample of some of the placental tissue.
- Fetal surgery: A highly specialized surgical intervention to repair birth defects in the womb.
- Ultrasound: An imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fetoscopy
- Wikipedia's article - Fetoscopy
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