What is "fetoscopy"

n. An endoscopic procedure during pregnancy to allow access to the fetus, the amniotic cavity, the umbilical cord, and the fetal side of the placenta.

n. prenatal diagnosis that allows direct observation of a fetus in the uterus and the withdrawal of fetal blood [syn: foetoscopy]

Fetoscopy is an endoscopic procedure during pregnancy to allow access to the fetus, the amniotic cavity, the umbilical cord, and the fetal side of the placenta. A small (3–4 mm) incision is made in the abdomen, and an endoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall and uterus into the amniotic cavity. Fetoscopy allows medical interventions such as a biopsy or a laser occlusion of abnormal blood vessels or the treatment of spina bifida. The field of surgical fetoscopy was developed by Dr. Ruben Quintero.