Aim

To evaluate perinatal outcomes of incidental septostomy (IS) after laser photocoagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and to compare the outcomes with those who had intact intertwin membrane.

Methods

Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were systematically searched from inception up to August 2020. The random-effects model was used to pool the mean difference (MD) or odds-ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Primary outcome was incidence of preterm delivery, and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), while secondary outcomes included gestational age (GA) at intervention, GA at delivery, neonatal survival, and incidence of pseudoamniotic band syndrome (PABS).

Results

Four studies (1442 patients) met our inclusion criteria. Postoperative identification of IS was associated with earlier GA at delivery (MD = −2.52; 95% CI: −3.22, −1.82; p < 0.00), higher risk of PPROM < 32 weeks (OR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.80, 4.40; p < 0.001), and preterm delivery < 32 weeks (OR = 4.01; 95% CI: 1.27, 12.63; p = 0.02). No differences were noted in pseudoamniotic band syndrome, at least one or dual neonatal survival rate between IS and non-IS groups.

Conclusions

Occurrence of IS after laser photocoagulation for TTTS is associated with earlier GA at delivery, increased risk for PPROM and preterm delivery <32 weeks' gestation. However, neonatal survival does not appear to be affected by this complication.