Thoracoscopic removal with fluoroscopic radiographic guidance of thoracoamniotic shunting catheters in newborns

Abstract

Fetal thoracoamniotic shunting (TAS), which drains pleural effusion, is a treatment for severe primary fetal pleural effusion. While TAS is an effective treatment, its complications include bleeding and the catheter becoming dislodged, and also penetrating the thoracic cavity or chest wall. Catheters dislodged into the thoracic cavity in TAS can be removed by thoracoscopy. However, if there are adhesions in the thoracic cavity, finding the TAS catheter with a thoracoscope can be difficult. We used fluoroscopic radiography in addition to a thoracoscope to remove a TAS catheter in four patients. A 5-mm trocar was inserted into the thoracic cavity, and a 2.7-mm scope and 3-mm forceps were inserted into the trocar. We searched for TAS catheters using a thoracoscope and fluoroscopic radiography. If there are adhesions in the thoracic cavity and removing the TAS catheter is difficult, the combined use of a thoracoscope and fluoroscopic radiography may prove helpful.

Keywords: Fetal pleural effusion; Fluoroscopic radiography; Thoracoamniotic shunting.