Outcome after fetoscopic selective laser ablation of placental anastomoses vs equatorial laser dichorionization for the treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the outcome in women with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) who were managed by selective laser ablation of placental anastomoses (S-LASER) vs equatorial dichorionization of the anastomoses and chorionic plate (ED-LASER).

STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an analysis of 2 consecutive cohorts with TTTS treated with S-LASER and ED-LASER. Preoperative, procedural, delivery, and outcome details were compared between treatment groups.

RESULTS: A total of 147 twin pregnancies had laser (S-LASER, n = 71; ED-LASER, n = 76). Obstetric history, Quintero stage, placental location, individual arterial and venous Doppler parameters, and gestational age at laser and delivery did not differ. Use of lens fetoscope (96.1% vs 50.7%), coagulated anastomosis count (11 vs 15, P < .001), complete equatorial plate visualization (77.5% vs 92.1%, P = .019), and amniotic fluid transparency (80.3% vs 94.7%, P = .011) was greater during ED-LASER. Procedure-related complications, gestational age at delivery, and perinatal details were comparable between groups. ED-LASER was associated with significantly lower recurrence of TTTS (3.9% vs 8.5%), twin anemia polycythemia sequence (2.6% vs 4.2%), and amniotic fluid abnormalities (0% vs 5.6%, P < .05 for all comparisons). Logistic regression identified complete visualization of the equator as the primary determinant for successful TTTS treatment and coagulation of the chorionic plate as an independent cofactor. Double survival at age 6 months was significantly higher after ED-LASER (68.4% vs 50.7%, P < .05), attributable to a lower postlaser and neonatal mortality rates.

CONCLUSION: In patients with TTTS, photocoagulation of causative anastomoses and the chorionic plate along the vascular equator decreases recurrence without increasing adverse outcome and improves survival compared with the selective technique.