AbstractTo assess the effectiveness of using an 18-gauge needle inserted through the perineal surface of the fetus to solve magacystis and posterior urethral valve (PUV).From February 2008 to January 2012, 15 cases of magacystis were referred to our tertiary referral center, and in ten, PUV was suspected. In the cases where PUV was suspected after a detailed ultrasound scan, women gave consent to proceed with fetal therapy under sonographic guidance using an 18-gauge needle. The procedures lasted for a median time of 30 min (range 15–50 min). The needle was inserted through the perineal surface of the fetus to perforate the dilated posterior ureteral valve, as well as to perform a perineal vescicocentesis.Median gestational age at time of referral was 17 weeks of gestation (range 16–19 weeks). Five fetuses were female and ten male. Nine cases opted for pregnancy termination, as the kidneys were dysplastic showing hyperechoic structure, while six cases were treated, as the kidneys showed a normal functionality as well as cortico-medullar differentiation. Five fetuses were male and one female. After fetal therapy, there were no stillbirths. All fetuses were delivered at term and the infants were followed up by routine kidney ultrasonography and functionality after a median follow-up of 16 months.Despite the most commonly used fetal therapy being vesico-amiotic shunting, percutaneous fetal cystoscopy that allows laser valve ablation and mechanical disruption was the procedure used in the present study. This allowed the direct treatment of the urethral obstruction that caused megacystis, without need to repeat the procedure and without the need of any postnatal therapy.
Posterior urethral valve and anterior rectal duplication: a new combination
