TTTS Fetoscopic Laser Therapy in the UAE
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) laser surgery is performed at the fetal-therapy hub at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi. Fetoscopy is used to coagulate communicating placental vessels after specialist diagnosis, staging, counselling, and consent.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers carrying monochorionic (identical) twins diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians requiring immediate referral for monochorionic twins with unequal amniotic fluid volumes.
Abnormal Screening
Twin pregnancies showing polyhydramnios (excess fluid) in one sac and oligohydramnios (low fluid) in the other.
Second Opinion
Families seeking information on in-utero surgical options, success rates, and procedure risks.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Pre-operative evaluation and sterile preparation in a specialized operating theater.
Administration of local or regional anesthesia.
Insertion of a tiny endoscope (fetoscope) into the amniotic cavity under continuous ultrasound guidance.
Laser ablation to seal the communicating blood vessels, followed by draining excess fluid (takes 1–2 hours).
Post-operative monitoring for 24–48 hours.
When urgent referral is needed
- Any monochorionic twin pregnancy with suspected fluid discordance must be referred immediately. TTTS is rapidly progressive.
- Leaking of amniotic fluid, vaginal bleeding, or uterine contractions post-procedure.
Where the service is available
Available across Mediclinic MFM hubs in Abu Dhabi (Airport Road Hospital) and Al Ain (Al Jowhara Hospital), with referral pathways coordinating care for patients nationwide.
Why Fetus.ae / Mediclinic MFM
Specialists Available
Explore each doctor’s qualifications, clinical interests and verified practice location.
Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim
Head of Unit · Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineToronto fellowship training and more than 25 years of experience, bringing together fetal diagnosis, maternal medicine and coordinated care.
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Dr. Leanne Bricker
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineExtensive experience in fetal therapy and complex multiple pregnancy, alongside international contributions to research and clinical guidance.
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Dr. Werner Diehl
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineOur team’s most experienced fetal therapist, bringing broad expertise across fetal therapies, advanced fetal surgery and complex twin pregnancy.
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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said
Consultant Maternal–Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics and GynecologyMore than 28 years of clinical and leadership experience, with particular interests in maternal health and prevention of preterm birth.
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Dr. Gareth James Waring
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineExtensive fetal therapy and surgery experience, alongside expertise in fetal heart conditions and prevention of preterm birth.
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Dr. Bernard Nasr
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology · Fetal MedicineTraining in France and Spain, with clinical interests in fetal therapy, growth problems and complex twin pregnancy.
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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega
Specialist Maternal–Fetal Medicine · Associate ProfessorMore than 25 years of clinical experience, combining advanced fetal imaging with academic teaching and clinical leadership.
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Dr. Najwa Ibrahim
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineCare for complex pregnancies, with interests in advanced ultrasound, prenatal screening, fetal growth and placental health.
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Dr. Howaida Khair
Consultant Obstetrics and GynecologyA seasoned obstetrician and gynecologist with a special interest in fetal medicine, prenatal ultrasound and counselling.
View Full ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
Clinical answers directly from our specialists to help prepare you for your appointment.
TTTS is a serious condition in monochorionic twins where abnormal blood vessel connections in the shared placenta cause unequal blood distribution between the twins.
A tiny camera is inserted into the uterus, and a laser fiber is used to seal the abnormal communicating blood vessels, separating the twins’ circulations.
TTTS can progress quickly. Suspected cases require prompt specialist assessment; treatment timing is based on gestation, stage, maternal symptoms, and the full fetal evaluation.
With modern fetoscopic laser therapy, the survival rate of at least one twin is approximately 85-90%, and the survival of both twins is around 50-60%.
The procedure is minimally invasive for the mother. Risks include preterm labor, water breaking early, or infection, which are managed closely.
It is an advanced surgical method where the surgeon ablates the connecting vessels and draws a continuous line across the placenta to ensure no connections remain.
Getting Here & Access
Our two hubs cover the country: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Patients from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and the Northern Emirates typically attend the Abu Dhabi hub, while Al Ain and Eastern Region families are seen locally. Referrals are coordinated so travel is minimised and, wherever possible, imaging, counselling and any procedure are grouped into as few visits as possible.
Insurance & Coverage
Across both hubs we work with major UAE insurers including Daman (Thiqa and Enhanced), ADNIC, Nextcare, NAS and other networks. Coverage and pre-authorisation vary by plan and emirate, so our team confirms eligibility and arranges approvals before you travel. Self-pay packages are available nationwide.
Areas We Serve
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Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.