Separation of craniopagus twins: the Brisbane experience

Childs Nerv Syst. 2004 Aug;20(8-9):601-6. doi: 10.1007/s00381-004-0990-7. Epub 2004 Jul 28.

Abstract

Introduction: There are many problems facing the neurosurgeon when separating craniopagus twins. The condition is rare, with an incidence of 1 in 2.5 million births. As such there is a paucity of information in the literature regarding strategies for separation.

Survival rates: Over the last 20 years, there has been a gradual improvement in survival rates due to a combination of improved imaging, surgical/anaesthetic techniques and postoperative care. Currently, survival rates following surgery are at 50-60%. More information regarding this condition is needed to make surgical separation a safer event.

Aim: The aim of this article is to discuss the preoperative work-up, technical details of surgery, postoperative care and lessons learned with respect to the separation of craniopagus twins.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Brain / abnormalities
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Postoperative Care
  • Preoperative Care
  • Skull / pathology
  • Skull / surgery*
  • Surgery, Plastic / methods*
  • Twins, Conjoined / surgery*