ABSTRACT
Severe fetal pleural effusion and ascites in the second trimester are associated with
poor prognosis. We present a case where long-term drainage of several pleural effusion
by a double reverse pig tail stent was achieved. Although the ultimate outcome was
successful, complications seen in this case include accidental placement of the proximal
opening of the catheter, first into the myometrium, then between amnion and chorion;
development of oligohydramnios; intrathoracic migration of the catheter. Review of
the literature reveals a multitude of other complications associated with this procedure,
specifically difficulties at the time of placement and failure of function due to
obstruction, migration of the catheter, or removal by the fetus. It is important to
consider these complications in the counseling and management of the patients. Ongoing
research is required to further improve the design of the catheters.
Keywords
Fetal surgery - pleural effusion - long-term drainage - complications
