AORN Journal
Volume 90, Issue 5 , Pages 661-676, November 2009

The Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) Procedure for Fetal Head and Neck Masses

  • Debora Filipchuk, RN, CPN(C)

      Affiliations

    • Debora Filipchuk, RN, CPN(C), is the clinical nurse educator in the pediatric OR at Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Ms Filipchuk has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.
    • ,
  • Lourdes Avdimiretz, RN, CPN(C)

      Affiliations

    • Lourdes Avdimiretz, RN, CPN(C), is the ears, nose, and throat team leader in the pediatric OR at Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Ms Avdimiretz has no declared affiliation that could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.

ABSTRACT 

A congenital head or neck mass increases the risk of airway obstruction and imminent respiratory failure at birth. The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is an option to secure the infant's airway in some clinical situations when an antenatal diagnosis of a head or neck mass or potential airway obstruction has been established.

This article discusses an EXIT procedure performed on a maternal patient whose 38-week gestational age fetus was diagnosed with a lymphatic malformation. Planning and coordination between surgical teams at two clinical sites allowed the multidisciplinary teams to achieve a safe, successful outcome for the mother and child. AORN J 90 (November 2009) 661–672. © AORN, Inc, 2009.

Key words:  ex utero intrapartum treatment , EXIT procedure , fetal airway obstruction , lymphatic malformation , placental support , pediatric airway emergencies , maternal complications

 

 Complete this CE activity online at aorn.org/CE indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 673–674 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 675–676. The contact hours for this article expire November 30, 2012.The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN, MS, BC, director, Center for Perioperative Education. Ms Holm and Ms Bakewell have no declared affiliations that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest in publishing this article.This program meets criteria for CNOR and CRNFA recertification, as well as other continuing education requirements.AORN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.AORN recognizes these activities as continuing education for registered nurses. This recognition does not imply that AORN or the American Nurses Credentialing Center approves or endorses products mentioned in the activity.AORN is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019. Check with your state board of nursing for acceptance of this activity for relicensure.

PII: S0001-2092(09)00410-4

doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2009.06.001

AORN Journal
Volume 90, Issue 5 , Pages 661-676, November 2009

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