Thermocoagulation for selective reduction of conjoined twins at 12 weeks of gestation

Abstract

Conjoined twins occur rarely. Most of the prenatally diagnosed cases are terminated either because of extensive organ sharing or because of the presence of major structural abnormalities. We present a case of omphalopagus conjoined twins diagnosed at 10 weeks of gestation with selective reduction performed at 12 weeks. The twins were conjoined at the umbilicus with vascular communication demonstrated at the conjunction. Twin A was normal but twin B was growth restricted and hydropic. Thermocoagulation of twin B was performed at 12 weeks by passing an insulated electric wire through a 18-gauge needle placed close to the fetal heart. Reassessment at 15 weeks showed that twin A was growing normally with a small dead twin B attached at its umbilicus. Twin B was subsequently sloughed off from this attachment and could be seen lying free in the amniotic cavity at 17 weeks. Twin A was delivered at term and was healthy. A small scar could be seen just above the umbilical cord insertion. This case represents the first antenatal example of selective reduction of conjoined twins by thermocoagulation.