EXIT: state of the art. How we do it

Abstract

The EXIT protocol (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) is a technique that allows establishing a safe and stable airway in a fetus with airway obstruction, or at risk of it, at the time of delivery. It is based on maintaining uteroplacental circulation with neonatal anesthesia, achieving controlled uterine hypotonia. Any otolaryngologist working in a hospital that has a highly complex gynecology and obstetric service may be required in this type of case and must have an established protocol of how to proceed. In our setting, it is an infrequent procedure, so it requires a revision of the surgical technique. There is no established protocol in the literature, but there are fundamental principles. We describe a clinical case of a pregnancy where a fetal cervical mass was identified, and an EXIT protocol was performed. A review of the literature is presented, the principles of this technique are described, as well as our procedure and lessons learned.