Inserting a tube through the mother's abdomen to drain pleural fluid from the fetus

Hanoi Obstetrics Hospital has just intervened to save the life of a fetus with pleural effusion in the mother's womb.

Doctors at Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital perform surgery - Photo: BVCC

The pregnant woman is Ms. NHDung (34 years old, living in Hanoi). During a routine pregnancy check-up at the hospital, the doctor discovered that her fetus had abnormal signs. The ultrasound results showed a left pleural effusion, a rare and dangerous complication.

Fluid accumulation in the chest causes the lungs to collapse and the heart to be compressed. Without intervention, the fetus is at risk of pulmonary hypoplasia, severe respiratory failure and possible death after birth.

Ms. Dung was immediately transferred to the Fetal Intervention Center, Hanoi Obstetrics Hospital for close monitoring. Here, doctors performed amniocentesis, genetic testing, and comprehensive assessment of the fetus' condition.

After consulting with specialists, the doctors decided to perform the intervention right in the womb by placing a drainage tube (shunt) to drain fluid from the fetus's pleura.

"This is a complex and rare technique, requiring high coordination between experts, modern equipment and medical skills," shared Dr. Phan Thi Huyen Thuong - in charge of the Fetal Intervention Center, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.

Under ultrasound guidance, the medical team inserted a guide needle from the mother's abdominal wall into the amniotic sac, reaching the exact location of the effusion in the fetal chest.

However, the challenge did not stop there. Due to the unfavorable position of the fetus, the part that needed intervention was lying face down, so the doctors had to rotate the fetus in the uterus to perform the technique.

This is an extremely meticulous procedure because even a small mistake can affect the safety of the mother and fetus.

Finally, the catheter was successfully placed. Fluid began to drain from the fetus' chest, the lungs gradually re-expanded, and the fetal heart rate stabilized.

After the intervention, Ms. Dung was closely monitored at the hospital. The pleural effusion was significantly reduced, the fetus' lungs expanded well, and the heart was no longer compressed. The health of both mother and baby is now stable and Ms. Dung has been discharged from the hospital.

This technique is a major step forward in fetal medicine, allowing early and effective intervention in the womb, opening up the chance of survival for other cases.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/luon-ong-dan-qua-bung-me-de-hut-dich-mang-phoi-cho-thai-nhi-20250611175948187.htm