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Hepatobiliary anomalies in conjoined twins
Abdullah Al-Rabeeah1, Mohammed Zamakhshary, Mohammed Al-Namshan
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public, Health, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, PO Box 22490 Riyadh 11426 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|May 28, 2011
Summary
Hepatobiliary anomalies are common in conjoined twins but not the primary reason for inseparability. These liver anomalies were more frequent in twins who could not be separated.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Pediatric Surgery
- Anatomical Pathology
Background:
- Conjoined twinning is a rare congenital anomaly with limited documented hepatobiliary variations.
- Understanding these anomalies is crucial for surgical planning and outcomes in conjoined twins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience with hepatobiliary anomalies in conjoined twins.
- To describe the association between hepatobiliary anomalies and the ability to separate conjoined twins.
- To provide diagrammatic representations of observed hepatobiliary anomalies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of conjoined twin cases focusing on separation outcomes.
- Analysis of hepatobiliary anomaly patterns, preoperative investigations, and intraoperative findings.
- Documentation of reasons for non-separation.
Main Results:
- Out of 60 cases, 28 were successfully separated. Non-separation was linked to cardiac or chromosomal anomalies.
- Hepatobiliary anomalies were present in 60.7% of separable twins and 71.8% of non-separable twins.
- Standard imaging like CT and ultrasound were used; advanced imaging and intraoperative cholangiograms were rarely needed.
Conclusions:
- Hepatobiliary anomalies alone do not prevent separation of conjoined twins.
- Hepatobiliary anomalies are more prevalent in conjoined twins who cannot be separated.
- Diagrammatic descriptions of these anomalies are provided for clinical reference.
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