Conjoined twins: From conception to separation, a review. Issue 3 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mian, Asma; Gabra, Nader Ishak; Sharma, Tanuj; Topale, Nitsa; Gielecki, Jerzy; Shane Tubbs, R.; Loukas, Marios
• Is Part Of: Clinical anatomy. Volume 30:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 396
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: embryogenesis -- Siamese twins -- omphalopagus -- thoracopagus -- cephalopagus -- ischiopagus -- parapagus -- craniopagus -- pygopagus -- rachipagus; Anatomy -- Periodicals; Anatomy -- Periodicals; 611
• DOI: 10.1002/ca.22839
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-3806

Abstract

Abstract : Conjoined twins are suggested to result from aberrant embryogenesis. The two main theories proposed to explain the phenomena are fission and fusion. The incidence rate is 1 in 50, 000 births; however, since about 60% of the cases are stillborn, the true incidence is approximated at 1 in 200, 000. There is a higher predisposition towards female than male gender with a ratio of 3:1. Conjoined twins are classified based upon the site of attachment. The extent of organ sharing, especially the heart, determines the possibility and prognosis of a separation procedure. Meticulous preoperative evaluation, planning, and preparedness of the team are crucial for a successful separation. Separation of conjoined twins poses several technical, legal, and ethical issues. Clin. Anat. 30:385–396, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.