Mian A, Gabra NI, Sharma T, Topale N, Gielecki J, Tubbs RS, Loukas M. Conjoined twins: From conception to separation, a review.
Clin Anat 2017;
30:385-396. [PMID:
28195364 DOI:
10.1002/ca.22839]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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.
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