Risks and Benefits of Vesicoamniotic Shunting for Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO) After Early, Intermediate and Late Onset of Therapy—A Monocentric Study of 104 Treated Cases

Abstract

Background/Objectives: We aimed to assess the risks and benefits of early, intermediate, and late vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS) for lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) treated at a single center. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 104 fetuses with LUTO that underwent VAS was carried out. The investigation covered the time between the first VAS and postnatal hospital discharge. The cases were analyzed in three groups: Group I fetuses underwent their first intervention ≤ 16 + 0 weeks; Group II fetuses underwent intervention between 16 + 1 and 24 + 0 weeks; and Group III fetuses underwent intervention > 24 + 0 weeks of gestation. Maternal morbidity, pre- and postnatal complications, fetal and neonatal mortality, and urological and renal outcomes were assessed. Results: All mothers tolerated the procedures well. Mean gestational age at delivery was 35.4 weeks of gestation. In total, 78 of 104 children were born alive (75%). Postnatal survival was 72 of 78 (92.3%). Overall survival was 72 of 104 (69.2%). Overall, 61.2% of children survived from Group I; 69% of children survived from Group II; and 100% of Group III children survived from the first VAS to postnatal hospital discharge. A total of 41 of 72 survivors (56.9%) were discharged with normal renal function. For 80%, normal renal function was highest after early VAS ≤ 16 + 0 weeks of gestation (Group I), whereas 31% of Group II and 61% of Group III survived with normal renal function. Postnatal pulmonary hypoplasia occurred in 13.3% of the cases of Group I, 40% of Group II, and 23.1% of Group III. Conclusions: The findings of this retrospective study confirm that VAS ≤ 16 + 0 weeks of gestation is the best chance for preserved renal function after birth. However, when LUTO is treated later in gestation, fetuses can also benefit from VAS. Pre-interventional sonography may aid in selecting those with the highest chances for a better renal outcome.