Name: China Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery Treatment - Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery Specialist
Brand: Jianghai Chen
SKU: 228435721

What is Amniotic Band Syndrome?

Amniotic band syndrome, also known as congenital constriction band syndrome, is a condition detectable at birth. It may initially go unnoticed, as parents might attribute any folds to weight gain. The bands can encircle fingers, toes, ankles, thighs, forearms, upper arms, or even the torso, potentially involving the entire limb or only a part of it. The incidence of this syndrome in newborns ranges from 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 15,000. There is little difference in incidence between males and females, and familial occurrence is rare. Currently, no genetic predisposition has been recognized. Approximately 12%-56% of patients with amniotic band syndrome may have clubfoot.

During pregnancy, ultrasound or hysteroscopy can screen for the condition. If a definitive diagnosis is made, suitable cases can undergo band release surgery using intrauterine endoscopy, with successful cases reported.

What is Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery?

Amniotic band syndrome surgery, also known as fetoscopic amniotic band resection, is a minimally invasive procedure performed in utero to treat bands of tissue that have wrapped around a fetus.

Methods of Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery:

The treatment options for amniotic band syndrome surgery include in utero fetal surgery and postnatal repair of the resulting abnormalities.

Fetal Surgery: The goal of fetal surgery is to release the constriction caused by the amniotic band before it causes further damage. This is done via operative fetoscopy, which allows direct visualization of the amniotic band and its release using various surgical techniques. The success of fetal surgery depends on the degree of damage caused by the amniotic band. If the distal part of the extremity is swollen, releasing the band allows the swelling to resolve and normal development to continue. If the constriction has been more severe, releasing the band can stop further damage and prevent amputation of the affected extremity.

Postnatal Treatment: After birth, treatment may involve plastic and reconstructive surgery, followed by physical and occupational therapy, depending on the type of deformity. Prosthetics may also be recommended for children with loss of limbs or limb functionality. Advances in 3-D printing have led to more functional prostheses for these patients.

The decision on the most appropriate treatment option depends on a detailed assessment involving high-resolution 2-D and 3-D ultrasound, examination of the blood supply to the affected limb, and sometimes additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Why Choose Our Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery?

Dr. Jianghai Chen is MD in Surgery from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China (2003) and PhD from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium (2008), also Associate Professor/Chief physician of Hand Surgery, Wuhan Union Medical College Hospital, master supervisor.

Dr. Jianghai Chen's Academic Papers:

Syndactyly release with the use of the Pelnac™ artificial dermal substitute without skin grafting. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2023 Sep;84:115-120.
Acellular dermal matrix for one-stage treatment of lower extremity full-thickness skin defect: a case series. BMC Surg. 2023 Jan 24;23(1):17.
Identification and validation of a ferroptosis-related gene signature for predicting survival in skin cutaneous melanoma. Cancer Med. 2022 Sep;11(18):3529-3541.

Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery Hospital Questions Guide:

FAQ

Q: How to distinguish Amniotic Band Syndrome from obesity?

A: Methods to differentiate Amniotic band syndrome from obesity include:
Traction: Check if the skin wrinkles disappear upon pulling. If they disappear, it may be due to obesity. If the wrinkles persist and the band cannot be loosened, it is more likely to be a band.
Texture: Assess the toughness of the skin. In obesity, the skin is soft, while in Amniotic band syndrome, the skin is thick and tough.
Encirclement: Observe whether it is a partial or complete loop.If it is a partial loop, compensation may occur, and there is less cause for concern. If it is a complete constriction, affecting blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and bones, attention is needed.

Q: At what age can Amniotic Band Syndrome Surgery be performed?

A: After a band diagnosis, surgical release is required, typically based on vascular conditions to determine the timing of the surgery.If the band is tightly wound, causing vascular compromise leading to swelling, discoloration, or other issues in the fingers or limbs, early treatment is essential.
For lighter constriction marks at the fingertips or mild adhesions caused by the Amniotic band syndrome, amniotic band syndrome surgery can be performed around the baby's six months of age. Of course, considerations should include the baby's overall health and whether weight standards are met.

Q: How is amniotic band syndrome treated?

A: Treatment for amniotic band syndrome varies for each patient. Shallow bands that don't interfere significantly with limb or digit function and don't involve the umbilical cord may not need prenatal surgery (during the pregnancy). In cases of prenatal diagnosis of deeper amniotic bands that affect limb appearance and movement, or if there are concerns regarding bands around the umbilical cord, fetal surgery may be necessary to release or remove the constricting bands. Postnatal repair to sustain and improve limb function or for aesthetic reasons may require one or more surgeries that are usually scheduled around the age of 1 or older.

Q: What causes amniotic band syndrome?

A: The exact cause of amniotic band syndrome isn't known. Doctors don't think the condition is hereditary (passed from parent to child). Many cases seem to happen for no clear reason.

Q: How can I prevent amniotic band syndrome?

A: There's no way to prevent amniotic band syndrome. But you can reduce your risk by staying as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.

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