FETOSCOPY EMBRYOSCOPY
Embryoscopy is the examination of the embryo at 910 weeks gestation through the intact membranes by introducing an endoscope into the exocoelomic space transcervically or transabdominally. This is likely to remain confined to the management of early pregnancy in selected families affected by recurrent genetic syndromes with recognizable external fetal abnormalities. The procedurerelated risk of fetal loss is around 12 per cent. Fetoscopy is the examination of the fetus after 11 weeks gestation. This is performed transabdominally in the amniotic fluid. The technique has evolved with the miniaturization of the optical device by using fibreoptics technology. This procedure is likely to find new applications with the development of ultrasound examination at 1014 weeks gestation in order to, either confirm, or rule out suspected external fetal abnormalities. Amniocentesis can be performed at the same time. The procedurerelated risk is likely to remain below 10 per cent but no accurate figures c
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