The separation procedure

Successful Surgical Separation of Thoraco-Omphalopagus Symmetrical Conjoined Twins in Iran: Two Case Reports

Conjoined twins are derived from the division of a single fertilized ovum; a phenomenon accompanied with multiple congenital anomalies. Such twins are identical, of the same sex, and more likely to be female. Most twins die during the embryonic period, and only 18% survive longer than 24 hours. There are complex anomalies in thoraco-omphalopagus twins that makes them unlikely to live long enough to undergo separation. Treatment of this uncommon condition presents both surgical and anesthetic challenges. The management of rare anomalies is difficult even for skilled surgeons. Therefore, it is logical to use the knowledge gained from previous experiences. We herein present the first successful surgical separation of two pairs of thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins at the Pediatric Surgery Center of Namazi Hospital (Shiraz, Iran). In both cases, the neonates had separate hearts and common pericardium. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of two sets of twins showed fusion of sternum, pericardium, diaphragm, and left lobe of liver. Critical steps of the surgical separation were identified and contingency plans were made for possible partial liver donation and cross-circulation between twins. The separation procedure and reconstruction of the abdominal wall were successfully performed. Both pairs of twins, now 6- and 8-year-old, are healthy and have normal growth and are under follow-up.

Separation of pygopagus, omphalopagus, and ischiopagus with the aid of three-dimensional models

BACKGROUND

The three-dimensional (3D) technique provides with accurate anatomical information. We present the separation surgeries for three different kinds of conjoined twins with the aid of three-dimensional techniques.

METHOD

For the pygopagus twins, a pelvic and lower vertebral model was made. For the omphalopagus and ischiopagus, their enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan images were transferred to the Computer-Assisted Surgery Planning System (CASP) (Hisense, Qingdao, China) to generate the 3D models.

RESULT

In the case of the pygopagus twins, the 3D model clearly showed that their coccyges were joined at a 120°angle from each other horizontally which suggested that the blind-end orifice on their back was a pilonidal sinus, which separated the normal sphincter into two halves. In the omphalopagus, the 3D model revealed one of the branches of each twin's hepatic vein was connected with the other's. The 3D model of the ischiopagus twins revealed that both of the twins had duplicated bladders and each baby's duplicated bladders united with one of the bladders of the other baby and a single rectum passing through the middle of the four bladders.

CONCLUSION

3D techniques could provide more detailed anatomical information, which is helpful in planning procedures for such complicated separation surgery.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Role of ultrasonography in the management of twin gestation

Twins represent 1%-2% of all pregnancies, yet continue to account for a disproportionate share of neonatal adverse events including neonatal intensive care admission, morbidity, and mortality. Ultrasonography is central to the proper diagnosis of the type of twinning. Ideally, ultrasonography is performed before 14 weeks of gestation to determine chorionicity and amnionicity. Correct identification of the chorionicity in a twin pregnancy facilitates proper counseling and management of the gestation, including ultrasonography follow-up. Herein, the different types of twinning are reviewed, together with the implications for ultrasonography monitoring of each specific type of twin gestation.

Pediatric Surgery remains the only true General Surgery

This article states that Pediatric Surgery remains probably the only remaining General Surgery because it is not about organs and systems but rather the whole Surgery from fetal life until completion of growth and maturation. Pediatric surgeons are currently involved in prenatal treatments for fetal diseases, they take in charge the surgery of congenital malformations, acquired neonatal diseases, common conditions like hernias, undescended testes and appendicitis, but also of the more complex gastrointestinal, broncho-pulmonary or genitourinary conditions, tumors, trauma and solid organ transplantation. For this, like other surgical specialists, they use open, endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques. The broad spectrum of diseases, many of them scarcely prevalent, makes training long and hard, but this challenge accounts for the greatness of this specialty. Pediatric surgeons also carry out research work in their field because they are aware that understanding of why the conditions treated by them occur is mandatory. In summary, Pediatric Surgery is a lively, exciting, difficult specialty that offers an attractive alternative to young doctors interested in surgery.