Case report: Minimally invasive removal of a dislodged thoracoamniotic shunt with an integral cystoscope in a preterm infant

INTRODUCTION: Fetal pleural effusion is a rare condition that is associated with significant mortality. Although the insertion of fetal thoracoamniotic shunts can improve perinatal outcomes, there are several associated complications, such as intrathoracic dislodgement of the shunts. The optimal neonatal treatment for retained shunts remains uncertain. CASE DESCRIPTION: A male infant was born at 32 weeks of gestation. He had antenatal hydrothorax that was detected at 27 weeks of gestation and was managed by intrauterine thoracoamniotic shunting. However, the shunt catheter dislodged into the fetal chest, which caused reaccumulated pleural effusion and respiratory distress requiring ventilatory support after birth. After the patient’s condition stabilized, minimally invasive removal of the retained catheter was performed on day 17 of life using an integral pediatric cystoscope via a 3-mm thoracic incision. The procedure took approximately 5 min. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient, who was discharged 39 days postnatally, is thriving at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We present a novel and effective approach to the management of an intrathoracic shunt using an integral cystoscope. This approach may offer a valuable alternative to traditional thoracoscopy in the neonatal period.