Fetal Cystoscopy for Severe Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO)
Rochester, MN
This is a pilot study to evaluate the safety, feasibility and effectiveness of fetal cystoscopy in the prenatal diagnosis and therapy of fetuses with bladder outlet obstruction. Fetal bladder outlet obstruction is a rare congenital anomaly with severe consequences to the fetus. Because of the bladder outlet obstruction, amniotic fluid is diminished, drastically leading to abnormal development of the fetal lungs. In addition, the obstruction leads to significant kidney damage, including development of end stage renal disease. Fetal vesicoamniotic shunting is the clinical therapeutic option for these fetuses. However, the shunt has many complications including blockage and dislodgement. Fetal cystoscopy ...