Separation of xipho-omphalopagus twins

Abstract

A report of the successful separation of the first pair of xipho-omphalopagus twins in the United Arab Emirates is presented. Clinical examination and investigations revealed that they were joined from the lower part of the sternum to the umbilicus with fused lower costal cartilages. They shared a common liver with separate biliary systems. At the age of 50 days, surgery was carried out on a single table without a frame. Intravenous fluorescein was used to determine the line of fusion and was of particular help in separating the large liver juncture. A silastic sheath was used to close the upper abdominal and lower thoracic incisions.