Staged separation of craniopagus twins

Semin Pediatr Surg. 2015 Oct;24(5):241-8. doi: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2015.07.008. Epub 2015 Jul 4.

Abstract

Craniopagus twins are rare and account for up to 6% of all conjoined twins. No hospital will encounter many such twins and the opportunity to develop expertise is limited. We have dealt with 2 such sets and illustrate our approach by reference to our most recent set. We believe that detailed imaging allows precise delineation of the anatomy and facilitates detailed planning of the surgery. When venous drainage from the 2 brains is connected, we believe that staged separation is preferable as gradual alteration of hemodynamics may be safer than a single-stage procedure.

Keywords: Conjoined twins; Craniopagus; Staged separation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain* / abnormalities
  • Brain* / blood supply
  • Brain* / surgery
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Twins, Conjoined / pathology*
  • Twins, Conjoined / surgery*