ISCHIOPAGUS TWINS - AN OUTCOME ANALYSIS OF UROLOGICAL ASPECTS OF REPAIR IN 3 SETS OF TWINS

Purpose: We assessed the urological components of ischiopagus twins an d outcomes of surgical correction. Materials and Methods: We performed a longitudinal study of 3 pairs of twins who presented to a single in stitution for repair and analyzed the outcomes of certain aspects of r epair. Results: Three pairs of twins joined from diaphragm to pelvis a nd facing each other in an embracing posture were separated in the las t 10 years at a single institution. Each pair of twins had a similar c onstellation of shared organs, including abdominal wall, bony pelvis, liver, bowel, crossed ureters, bladder and genitalia. Followup ranges from 18 months to 10 years. All children are independent and ambulator y with fully healed wounds. Of the 6 kidneys 5 are functioning well. O f the 4 children old enough to undergo continence evaluation all are f ully continent and void spontaneously. Conclusions: Conjoined twins ca n be successfully separated with an effective outcome.