Related Experiment Videos
Separation of brachio-thoraco-omphalo-ischiopagus bipus conjoined twins
L Spitz1, M D Stringer, E M Kiely
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, London, England.
Insights
Separating omphalopagus conjoined twins presented significant surgical challenges, particularly extensive abdominal wall reconstruction. While one twin did not survive, the other recovered well, highlighting the complexities of such rare surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Anomalies
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Conjoined twins, specifically omphalopagus twins, present unique and complex surgical challenges.
- Separation of conjoined twins requires meticulous preoperative planning and a multidisciplinary team approach.
Abstract:
Separation of 3-year-old brachio-thoraco-omphalo-ishiopagus bipus conjoined twin girls is reported. Detailed preoperative assessment and a multidisciplinary approach were essential prerequistes to surgery. The difficulties of managing the extensive body wall defect resulting from separation are discussed. Despite the use of subcutaneous and intraperitoneal tissue expanders, a large area of prosthetic material was required to reconstruct the abdominal wall. Skin cover was achieved using a combination of meshed allogeneic skin, homograft split skin, and autologous cultured keratinocytes. One twin died in the early postoperative period, but the other has recovered well and is awaiting further rehabilitative treatment.