Anesthesia for emergency separation of omphalopagus conjoined twins.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The rate of mortality during the surgical separation of conjoined twins in the neonatal period is 50% and can reach up to 75% if it occurs in emergency situations. The planning of the surgical separation procedure is detailed and involves imaging assessment, evaluation of cross-circulation and even other surgical preparation procedures, such as skin expansion.

CASE REPORT:

Eleven-day-old female omphalopagus conjoined twins underwent emergency surgical separation due to the death of one twin caused by sepsis associated to cardiopathy. The liver was shared by the twins and was separated. The surviving twin died six days later.

CONCLUSIONS:

Surgical separation of conjoined twins in the neonatal period must be avoided due to the patients' organic system immaturity. However, emergency situations such as the one described herein can require the procedure to be carried out.

• Authors: Adriano Bechara de Souza Hobaika, Kléber Costa de Castro Pires, Vitto Bruce Salles Alves Fernandes
• Journal: Revista brasileira de anestesiologia (Rev Bras Anestesiol) 2010 May-Jun Vol. 60 Issue 3 Pg. 311-4 ISSN: 1806-907X [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 20682162 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2010 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Anesthesia
• Emergency Treatment
• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Twins, Conjoined (surgery)