At this time it may be called embryoscopy , or embryofetoscopy . In these cases, fetoscopy may allow a rapid diagnosis reducing considerably the impact of prolonging pregnancy until ultrasound is capable to ensure the diagnosis. In later stages of pregnancy, the resolution of ultrasound confines the usefulness of fetoscopy to exceptional cases. Operative fetoscopy is the use of fetoscopy to perform operations on the fetus, the cord, placenta or membranes. In some very rare conditions, an operation on the fetus may save its life or prevent irreversible significant sequelae.
Fetoscopic procedures allow to operate on the fetus through minimally invasive access.
One or more small diameter instruments can be introduced in the uterus and several procedures can be performed. At present, most indications for operative fetoscopy are still investigative, but a few have already gained acceptance, and a considerable number of fetuses have benefited from the application of this technique.