Fetal Surgery for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare, serious condition that can occur in pregnancies when identical twins share a placenta. Abnormal blood vessel connections form in the placenta and allow blood to flow unevenly between the babies. One twin ? called the donor – becomes dehydrated; and the other ? called the recipient ? develops high blood pressure and produces too much urine and over fills the amniotic sac.

Without treatment, this condition can be fatal for both twins. Dr. Bebbington, a leading fetal interventionist with 15 years of experience in open fetal surgery and fetoscopic-based interventions, joins the show to discuss twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and why fetal surgery is sometimes necessary to save one or both babies.