[Xipho-omphalopagus--Siamese twins with multiple abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract]

The authors describe a case of xiphoomphalpagus; one infant was dead, the other alive. They had a common umbilical cord and omphalocele, joined liver, only one gallbladder and common duodenum in the shape of a wide sac. From this originated two thin guts, one was wide and belonged to the dead foetus, the gut of the live foetus beneath the duodenum was atretic. Already six hours after delivery the authors separated the infants and in the live infant they not only resected the liver and reinserted the choledochus but also repaired the wide duodenum and atresia. The second infant died on the 4th day after operation from congenital heart disease incompatible with life. The stillborn infant has, as revealed by necropsy and histological examination, a congenital megacolon. The authors analyze the scope of diagnostic and surgical possibilities.