title: Acute abdominal pain in a separated conjoined twin.
abstract: Complications of conjoined twins are typically events surrounding the birth and surgical separation. We report an unusual late-onset complication, a grade IV duodenal disruption of the accessory system in a formerly conjoined twin. Because conjoined twins have unique anatomy based on the junction and division of organs, one must always consider a multitude of causes for common complaints. Basic operative principles apply: the acute abdomen must be explored. Finally, to avoid these complications, removal of all or nearly all parasitic structures must be considered at the initial separation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
authors.forename: Denise B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Klinkner
authors.forename: Gregory J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Beilman
mesh_terms: D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000209:etiology*; D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D004386:Duodenum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014428:Twins, Conjoined / Q000601:surgery*