Conjoined twins: A report of four cases
Mohammed Hamada Takrouney1, Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim1, Hala Saad Abdel-Ghaffar2
1Pediatric Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|July 30, 2020
Summary
This study reports the successful separation of conjoined twins (CT), including parasitic and symmetrical types. Early surgical intervention is recommended for optimal outcomes in these rare congenital anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Conjoined twins (CT) are rare congenital anomalies with high morbidity and mortality.
- Thoracopagus is the most common type, with symmetrical and asymmetrical (heteropagus) variations.
- Fused livers, diaphragms, and communicating peritoneal cavities present surgical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the successful surgical separation of conjoined twins.
- To highlight the outcomes of separating asymmetrical and symmetrical conjoined twins.
- To emphasize the importance of early surgical intervention in conjoined twin cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 4 conjoined twin (CT) cases (2 male, 3 female).
- Surgical separation performed on 2 parasitic and 1 conjoined twin.
- Study adhered to Helsinki Declaration ethical guidelines.
Main Results:
- Successful separation achieved in 3 cases, resulting in 4 living children.
- The youngest living separated twins are reported in this series.
- One case (parasitic) died preoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Parasitic conjoined twins can often be excised with minimal impact on the autosite due to absent connections.
- Early separation of parasitic and autosite twins is recommended.
- Surgical separation of conjoined twins carries risks, especially when vital organs are shared or twins are joined cranially.
