Collateral Damage From Fetal Interventions: Increasing the Complexity of Complex Patients

Urology. 2022 Nov:169:211-213. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.05.014. Epub 2022 May 24.

Abstract

Fetal interventions are often key to fetal survival and growth; however, they can often have complications causing significant morbidity and mortality. This case highlights not only a complication of fetal surgery, but also a very unusual diagnosis. We present the case of a male fetus who was diagnosed with urethral atresia and subsequently underwent 2 vesicoamniotic shunt placements. At birth, he was diagnosed with Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome and was noted to have rectovesical and vesicocutaneous fistulae likely iatrogenically created from shunt placement. While fetal interventions are often required, a multidisciplinary team approach is often necessary as complications occur.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple* / surgery
  • Colon / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Fetus / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction* / surgery
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal
  • Urinary Bladder / diagnostic imaging