Anaesthesia for the EXIT procedure: A review.

Abstract

Current advances in surgical technology have resulted in the ability to repair many foetal anomalies in the perinatal period. While intrauterine foetal surgery around 22-25 weeks of gestation is now being performed, it is not commonly practiced in many institutions. Foetal anomalies that pose an immediate threat to life at delivery are commonly addressed at delivery prior to complete separation from utero-placental support in a procedure referred to as the Ex utero intrapartum therapy.
As the EXIT procedure is occurring with a higher incidence in institutions, an understanding of the indications and special preparatory steps is required.
This review addresses the indications, and unique anesthetic considerations pertaining to this procedure.