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A method of repair of thoracic cage defects after separation of thoraco-omphalopagus twins

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Abstract

Female thoraco-omphalopagus twins weighing 3,450 g were born by normal, spontaneous vaginal delivery. Though twin A was stable, twin B developed cardiorespiratory distress soon after delivery. Progressive respiratory failure led to separation at the age of 57 days. In order to repair the large thoracic cage defects a sheet of Teflon felt was tailored into two “tents”. Twin A who survived, had primary closure of the chest and abdomen after extensive skin mobilization. Twin B had a Silon chimney inserted in addition to the Teflon felt tent. Both were removed 20 days post-operatively because of infection. She died of respiratory failure 55 days after separation.

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Saing, H., Mok, CK., Lau, J.T.K. et al. A method of repair of thoracic cage defects after separation of thoraco-omphalopagus twins. Pediatr Surg Int 2, 113–116 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174187

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00174187

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