P06.06: Vesicocentesis in the first and second trimesters of gestation for treatment of fetal megacystis

Objective: Fetal megacystis in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy is an indication for diagnostic vesicocentesis. Our goal is to assess the effectiveness of early vesicocentesis as a treatment option of megacystis. Materials and Methods: From 1995 to 2005, 18 pregnancies were identified with early fetal megacystis. Fetal biometry, morphology, amniotic fluid, bladder size and volume were evaluated. Karyotype was available in 6 cases (6/18 = 33%). Vesicocentesis was performed in 8 fetuses (8/18 = 44%). Fetal urine biochemical markers were determined after each vesicocentesis. Results: Megacystis was never isolated: 6 cases (6/18 = 33%) demonstrated oligohydramnios or anhydramnios, 5 fetuses (5/18 = 28%) presented renal dysplasia, 4 had renal hyperechogenicity (4/18 = 22%), 3 had mild pyelectasis (3/18 = 17%), 1 ureteral dilatation (1/18 = 5.5%) and 1 a polymalformative syndrome with sacrococcigeal mielomeningocele (1/18 = 5.5%). Any case had chromosomal abnormalities. In 3 fetuses (3/8 = 37.5%) biochemical markers indicated a good fetal kidney function, in the remaining 5 fetuses (5/8 = 62.5%) a poor renal prognosis was suggested. In 2 cases (2/8 = 25%) pregnancy proceeded with normal amniotic fluid volume and a normal-sized urinary bladder with normal dynamics. In 3 cases (3/8 = 37.5%) megacystis recurred and a second vesicocentesis was performed. In the remaining 3 cases (3/8 = 37.5%): 2 terminations of pregnancy were performed and 1 spontaneous abortion occurred. Conclusions: Fetal vesicocentesis in the first trimester of gestation is a useful treatment option in case of megacystis. Fetal vesicocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that can be life-saving if performed in early pregnancy.