Successful separation of Pygopagus twins at a tertiary center in a third world country: A literature review with case presentation
Abstract:
Introduction: Conjoined twins, a rare phenomenon, have long fascinated medical practitioners, with their origins and development still not fully understood. This article delves into the intricacies of conjoined twins, focusing on those sharing parts of the brain and spinal cord, and the surgical techniques used for their separation.
Case presentation: we report the case of a pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia who delivered parapagus twins at 37 weeks gestation. The twins, connected from the pelvis, were successfully separated at 4 months of age, with one twin requiring resuscitation at birth.
Discussion: A literature review was done on various types of conjoined twins, including craniopagus, parapagus, ischiopagus and parasitic rachiopagus, each presenting unique challenges in surgical separation. Surgical ap proaches differ based on the extent of fusion and shared structures. Challenges include preserving neurological function and managing potential complications.
Conclusion: Advancements in surgical techniques and understanding have improved outcomes, but separating such twins remains a difficult task requiring multidisciplinary collaboration and planning among surgical teams.
