Conjoined twins: From conception to separation, a review
- 13 February 2017
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wiley in Clinical Anatomy
- Vol. 30 (3), 385-396
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ca.22839
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.Keywords
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