Anaesthesia for conjoined twins

Abstract

Introduction: Anaesthesia for conjoined twin surgery, whether prior to or for separation, is an enormous challenge to the paediatric anaesthesiologist.

Discussion: The site and complexity of the conjunction will affect airway management, acquisition of vascular access, the extent of blood loss, and the number of surgical specialties involved. Preoperative assessment and planning, with interdisciplinary communication and cooperation, is vital to the success of the operations. These twins require a dedicated team of anaesthetists for each child, and, consequently, duplication of all monitoring and equipment in one operating room is necessary. Meticulous attention to detail, monitoring, and vigilance are mandatory. Planning for the postoperative period in the intensive care unit (ICU), as well as the babies' reconstruction and rehabilitation, is essential from the time of the initial admission.