Single-Center Outcome of Fetoscopic Tracheal Balloon Occlusion for Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abstract

(Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135:511–521) Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, caused by the absence of the diaphragm or part of the diaphragm, leads to impaired fetal lung development as the abdominal contents move into the chest cavity. This is commonly managed with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, pulmonary vasodilators, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but the survival rate is <20% in cases with an observed lung/head ratio of <25% and intrathoracic liver herniation. In temporary fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion (FETO), the lungs are stretched and increase growth in airways and lung vasculature takes place. FETO has demonstrated increased survival rates, but is also associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm labor, rupture of membranes, and preterm birth. This study aimed to determine feasibility of FETO in cases of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia.