Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Selective Reduction by Fetoscopy-Guided Bipolar Cord Coagulation in Monochronic Twin Pregnancies

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this study was to assess the short- and long-term outcome of selective reduction by fetoscopy-guided bipolar cord coagulation in monochronic twin pregnancies. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective analysis was conducted of a consecutive cohort of all monochorionic twin pregnancies treated with fetoscopy-guided bipolar cord coagulation between December 2015 and December 2022 in a single center in China. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 43 monochronic twin pregnancies undergoing fetoscopy-guided bipolar cord coagulation were analyzed. There were 5 intrauterine deaths with an 88.4% (38/43) survival rate overall. The preterm premature rupture of the membranes rate was 13.2%, and the preterm birth before 37 and 32 weeks was 42.1% and 13.1%, respectively. An uptrend in the survival rate (78.9 vs. 95.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.086) and a downtrend of procedure time (30 vs. 16.5 min, <i>p</i> = 0.036) were observed over time (period 1 from December 2015 to December 2019 verses period 2 from January 2020 to December 2022). Long-term outcome was assessed in 94.6% (35/37) of survivors, and 91.4% (32/35) had normal neurodevelopmental outcome. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Fetoscopy-guided bipolar cord coagulation for fetal reduction in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies could achieve a favorable short- and long-term outcome, especially in experienced hands.