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Separation surgery for total vertical craniopagus twins.
1Surgery Centre, Raffles Hospital, Singapore. keithgoh@cuhk.edu.hk
Summary
Surgical separation of craniopagus conjoined twins was successful despite complications. Detailed planning and extensive surgical management are crucial for these complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Conjoined twins present unique surgical challenges.
- Craniopagus twins, joined at the skull, require specialized multidisciplinary care.
Observation:
- 11-month-old vertical craniopagus twins underwent surgical separation.
- Diagnosis confirmed via advanced imaging (MRI, CT, angiography).
- Shared superior sagittal sinus noted, complicating separation.
Findings:
- Complex separation surgery took approximately 100 hours.
- Utilized virtual reality, polymer models, and intraoperative guidance.
- Postoperative complications included infarction, meningitis, and hydrocephalus.
Implications:
- Successful separation is achievable for complex craniopagus twins.
- Requires meticulous pre-operative planning and advanced surgical techniques.
- Outcomes can include disability and developmental delays, necessitating long-term follow-up.