The Role of Sonography in Selective Laser Photocoagulation Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: A Literature Review

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious complication occurring in a significant number of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Vascular anastamoses within the shared placenta lead to a potentially fatal hemodynamic imbalance from one twin to the other. Advances in sonography and endoscopic fetal surgery have led to treatment options, including selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) and amnioreduction therapy. Recent research has allowed the development of a sonographically based staging system, which is being found useful in determining the optimal treatment method for individual cases based on the severity of TTTS by stage. This literature review aims to improve obstetrical sonographers' understanding of the role they play in the overall evaluation of patients with TTTS and to offer suggestions and available techniques, as well as provide expectations, that may aid them in their evaluation of these patients, particularly during SLPCV therapy.