Who is a candidate for FETO?

Educational, not medical advice. Candidacy is determined by a fetal center after full evaluation. If you have an urgent concern, call your physician or 911.

Module 2 — Understanding FETO · Episode 6

FETO is not for every baby with CDH. It is generally considered for the more severe cases.

What makes a baby a possible candidate

Candidacy rests on the severity picture from imaging, especially a low observed-to-expected total fetal lung volume (O/E-TFLV) and a larger amount of liver in the chest, which together suggest the lungs are significantly underdeveloped. Gestational age, the side of the hernia, and the absence of certain other anomalies also factor in.

Why severity matters here

The evidence for FETO is strongest in severe CDH. In less severe (moderate) cases, a clear benefit has not been demonstrated, which is why FETO is generally reserved for the babies most likely to gain from it. The risks and tradeoffs are weighed against that potential benefit.

How the decision is made

A fetal center reaches a recommendation after a complete evaluation and a detailed conversation with you. Being told FETO is not recommended is not the same as being told nothing can be done; it usually means your baby’s situation is better served by other parts of the care plan.

Next in Module 2: Risks and tradeoffs of FETO · Back to Module 2