Passion and Technology: Separation of Egyptian Conjoined Twins

Abstract

Advances in technology in the last 30 years have exponentially improved accuracy in the diagnosis, treatment, and delivery of technically advanced surgery. Craniofacial surgery has become safer and more precise by using 3‐D models. These models are produced by using CT scan and MRI data which is stereographically or digitally implemented to provide anatomical reconstruction, which serves as a road map for the surgical team. Accurate pre‐operative sequencing, timing, and approaches can be planned out in detail before the surgery is performed.Dismal results over the last 400 years have prompted some critics to condemn surgical attempts at separation of craniopagus twins. Alice Dreger says, “They shouldn't be separated; society needs to change its attitude about deformity.” Very few craniopagus twins have been successfully separated, and functioned in society.Two Egyptian boys attached extensively at the head, shared their brain at the motor cortex. Their skulls were fused completely and shared their mutually conjoined head anatomy.Extensive studies, including complete anatomic body models with 3‐D brain, venous system, and other vital anatomic structures, were produced from CT and MRI data. Ultimately, a complete step by step 36 hour operation was planned and executed, leading a team of 50 medical caregivers. This on‐going story will be relayed in detail during this presentation.