Successful resuscitation during fetal surgery

After in utero resection of a sacrococcygeal teratoma coupled with a transf usion of packed red blood cells, a 23-week-gestation fetus had bradycardia. Chest compressions were begun and epinephrine, atropine, and sodium bicarb onate were given, while the fetus remained bathed in warm saline. After 3 r ounds of drugs, and just before withdrawing support, the fetal heart resume d beating and normal cardiac function, Based on to this case, the authors d eveloped a resuscitation protocol for fetal surgery. J Pediatr Surg 35:1388 -1389. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.