Fetal Surgery Cases

Fetal Surgery Cases

The pediatric surgery team directs the UCSF Fetal Treatment Center. Occasionally, as a part of your pediatric and obstetric anesthesia rotations, you will be asked to participate in anesthesia for fetal surgery. Two basic types of fetal surgery (fetoscopic procedures and open procedures) are performed, and the anesthetic approach is specific for each. Below you will find techniques employed for a "typical" open procedure (e.g., myelomeningocele repair) and a "typical" fetoscopic procedure (e.g., laser photocoagulation for twin to twin transfusion syndrome) to provide a framework for preparation for the cases. A detailed anesthetic plan will be developed with your attending prior to the surgery. Please note that all pediatric anesthesiologists do not participate in fetal surgery. The team that provides anesthetic care during fetal surgery includes pediatric and obstetric anesthesiologists, so you may work with an attending from either or both groups.