Complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies: experience with bipolar cord coagulation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate our experience with ultrasound-guided bipolar diathermy forceps for cord occlusion in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

Seventeen consecutive cases were included: 9 cases were twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome; 2 cases were twin reversed arterial perfusion syndrome, and 6 cases were discordant for fetal abnormality. Bipolar diathermy was performed under local anesthetic with the use of 3-mm forceps with ultrasound guidance.

RESULTS

Cord occlusion was successfully accomplished in all cases between 18 and 27 weeks' gestation. There were 2 deaths of the co-twin within 12 hours; 1 death was due to cord hemorrhage, and 1 death was unexplained. One neonatal death occurred after delivery at 27 weeks, and 1 woman with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome elected termination of pregnancy when hydrocephaly was diagnosed 7 days after the procedure (probably related to the underlying pathologic condition). All other co-twins are alive and well, although 2 pregnancies were complicated by preterm delivery and premature rupture of membranes before 30 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSION

Bipolar diathermy is an effective procedure for cord occlusion, although it still has significant morbidity and mortality rates.