The EXIT procedure: Experience and outcome in 31 cases

Background: The EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) procedure, although initially designed for reversal of tracheal occlusion in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH), has been adapted to treat a variety of fetal conditions. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all consecutive EXIT procedures since 1996 was conducted. Results: Thirty-one women underwent the EXIT procedure, with an average maternal age of 29 years (range, 20 to 38), and average gestational age of 34 weeks (range, 29 to 40). The indication was airway obstruction from fetal neck mass in 13, and reversal of tracheal occlusion from in utero clipping in 13. Singular indications included an EXIT-to-ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) procedure for a fetus with CDH and a cardiac defect (n=1), congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS, n=1), resection of a very large congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM) on uteroplacental bypass (n=1), unilateral pulmonary agenesis (n=1), and thoracoomphalopagus conjoined twins, The mean duration on uteroplacental bypass (from uterine incision to umbilical cord clamping) was 30.3+/-14.7 minutes (range, 8 to 66). No fetus experienced hemodynamic instability during uteroplacental bypass as recorded by fetal heart rate (FHR), pulse oximeter, and fetal echocardiography, except for one instance of reversible bradycardia from umbilical cord compression. The mean FHR and fetal saturation were 153.0+/-38.5 beats per minute and 71.2%+/-19.9%, respectively. Five fetuses required a tracheostomy. Only 1 death occurred during an EXIT procedure because of inability to secure the airway secondary to extensive involvement by a lymphangioma. The average cord pH and pCO(2) were, respectively, 7.20+/-0.11 and 63.2+/-14.6. Two maternal complications occurred: bleeding from a hysterotomy site and dehiscence of an old hysterotomy scar noticed at a subsequent cesarean section. The average maternal blood loss was 848.3+/-574.1 mL. Conclusion: The EXIT procedure was used successfully to ensure uteroplacental gas exchange and fetal hemodynamic stability during a variety of surgical procedures performed to secure the fetal airway or ensure successful transition to postnatal environment. J Pediatr Surg 37:418-426, Copyright (C) 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.