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Review
. 2025 Jun 1;38(3):242-246.
doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000001490. Epub 2025 Apr 1.

Recent advancements in fetal anesthesia

Megan Dewey  1 , Preeta George
Affiliations
Review

Recent advancements in fetal anesthesia

Megan Dewey et al. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Fetal surgery has evolved into a transformative field, offering hope for the management of complex prenatal conditions. The purpose of this review is two-fold: to provide a brief overview of fetal anesthetic considerations, and to examine recent advancements which have significantly improved maternal safety and expanded the scope of treatable fetal anomalies.

Recent findings: Enhanced imaging technologies, such as high-resolution ultrasound and fetal MRI, have enabled precise diagnoses and surgical planning to improve outcomes. Innovations in techniques, expanded indications for fetal surgery, and adoption of maternal anesthesia protocols have all helped to minimize complications and enhance recovery. Placental research shows no immune response or pathology from fetal surgery, suggesting it does not contribute to preterm delivery.

Summary: Advancements in fetal intervention collectively underscore the field's commitment to delivering optimal outcomes for both mother and child while paving the way for future breakthroughs in prenatal care.

Keywords: fetal analgesia; fetal surgery; fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion; minimally invasive technique.

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