title: Successful separation of ischiopagus tripus conjoined twins with comparative analysis of methods for abdominal wall closure and use of the tripus limb.
abstract: The authors report the successful delivery, preoperative management, and postoperative courses of ischiopagus tripus twin girls successfully separated at 5 months of age. Surgical objectives were predicated on survival and optimum postseparation reconstructive potential for both girls. Each twin has subsequently undergone additional procedures, and both are doing well 2 years after separation. The authors reviewed 17 known cases of ischiopagus tripus separation, comparing anatomic findings, use of the tripus limb, operative strategies, and attainment of abdominal closure. This 18th case includes the first report of splitting the tripus limb and giving each girl a femur. The authors found that detailed systemic investigation, advanced coordinated teamwork with appropriate technical support, applications of new technologies or reapplication of existing technologies, meticulous planning, and favorable anatomy were vital in yielding favorable outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, San Antonio Military Pediatric Center, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Doski
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Heiman
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Solenberger
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Stefko
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kuivila
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Rozanski
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Flack
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Thurman
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Milbourn
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Cheu
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007866:Leg / Q000002:abnormalities*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D014428:Twins, Conjoined / Q000601:surgery*