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Review
. 2022 Jan;51(1):102252.
doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102252. Epub 2021 Oct 9.

Ex utero intrapartum technique (EXIT): Indications, procedure methods and materno-fetal complications - A literature review

Andrew Spiers  1 , Guillaume Legendre  1 , Florence Biquard  1 , Philippe Descamps  1 , Romain Corroenne  2
Affiliations
Review

Ex utero intrapartum technique (EXIT): Indications, procedure methods and materno-fetal complications - A literature review

Andrew Spiers et al. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2022 Jan.

Abstract

A congenital malformation of the head, neck or thorax can lead to upper airway compression with a risk of asphyxia or neonatal death. To secure and protect the upper airway, the Ex Utero Intrapartum Therapy (EXIT) procedure has been developed. The procedure allows delivery of the fetus via a hysterotomy while relying on the placenta as the organ of respiration for the fetus prior to clamping of the umbilical cord. A high level of expertise is necessary for successful completion of the EXIT procedure, which is not void of maternal and fetal risks. In this literature review, we present the indications, procedure methods and materno-fetal complications associated with the EXIT procedure.

Keywords: Airway obstruction; EXIT procedure; FETO; Tracheal occlusion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report no conflict of interest and declare that the article is original, unpublished and not being considered for publication elsewhere. All authors fulfill all conditions required for authorship.

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