Use of skin expansion in separation of conjoined twins

Successful separation of conjoined twins attached at the thorax and upper abdomen was greatly facilitated by preliminary skin expansion. Recognized problems encountered in traditional methods of wound closure at the separation (including wound breakdown, infection, ventilatory compromise, and obstruction to venous return resulting from tight abdominal skin closure) were avoided through the use of this technique. Technical aspects of expander placement and inflation in conjoined infants are discussed. Skin expansion may represent a major advance in wound management of conjoined twins after surgical separation. This is the second report on the use of skin expansion in conjoined twins and the first involving thoracopagus (twins conjoined at the chest and abdomen).