Abstract
Thirty years ago, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) was one of the most challenging
problems of modern obstetrics. The associated mortality and morbidity was staggering,
and a sense of hopelessness prevailed among clinicians and pediatric pathologists.
Technical advances in ultrasound, endoscopy, video recording, and medical lasers formed
the basis for diagnosis and in utero therapy of placental disorders. We review some
historical events which gave rise to a new treatment modality for TTTS, fetoscopic
laser occlusion of chorioangiopagous vessels, now the most common operation performed
worldwide in behalf of fetuses in peril.
Keywords
monochorionic twins - twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome - FLOC
