SUCCESSFUL EARLY SEPARATION OF A PREMATURE XIPHO-OMPHALOPAGUS CONJOINED TWINS - A CASE-REPORT

Premature xiphoomphalopagus conjoined twins were successfully separate d at 7 days of age. The total body weight of the twins before separati on was 3502 g. One twin had persistent patent ductus arteriosus and si gns of cardiac failure at 4 days of age, This was managed with indomet hacin. Thirty-six hours later the second twin became anuric, necessita ting early emergency separation, The twins were joined from the lower sternum to the infraumbilical area, The liver was fused, but there was no major vascular connection. There were no other major anomalies, Th e babies stood the procedure well and were healthy at follow-up 8 mont hs after separation.