A CASE OF THORACO-OMPHALO-ISCHIOPAGUS BIPUS CONJOINED TWINS

A case of thoraco-omphalo-ischiopagus bipus conjoined twins is reporte d. The twins shared a common lower chest and abdominal wall, a single pelvis and two lower extremities. Our initial approach was to determin e the detailed anatomy of the viscera and then to outline a surgical p lan. However, the twins' general condition gradually deteriorated, and the approach was not completely realized despite maximal supportive t herapy for cardiorespiratory failure, After the death of the twins, it was detected that they had a single pericardial cavity, and shared an abdominal aorta and vena cava. Furthermore the right twin had Bochdal ek hernia and left ventricular hypoplasia. Consequently, such cardiova scular pathologies, coupled with major additional anomalies, may threa ten the twins' life, Therefore further management plans are required c onsidering urgent surgical correction of the life-threatening anomalie s before the definitive procedure. Copyright (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders Company.