Balloon removal after fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion for congenital diaphragmatic hernia

In these fetal treatment centers, the balloon could always be removed successfully. In 90% this was in utero, with the use of fetoscopy preferred over ultrasound-guided puncture. Ex utero removal was a fall-back procedure. In utero removal does not seem to precipitate immediate membrane rupture, labor, or delivery, although the design of the study did not allow for a formal conclusion. For fetoscopic removals, the introduction of a stylet facilitated retrieval. Successful removal may rely on a permanently prepared team with expertise in all possible techniques.