Author Affiliations: Children's Heart Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China (Chen G, Jia B, Zhang WB)

Corresponding Author: Bing Jia, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China (Tel: +86-021-64931532; Fax: +86-021-64931517; Email: jiabing2012@hotmail.com)

doi: 10.1007/s12519-012-0385-x

Background: Conjoined twins are very rare examples of congenital malformations. In 75% of thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins, the intracardiac anatomy determines outcome and long-term survival.

Methods: We successfully separated one case of thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins, with one having d-transposition of the great arteries. After control of sepsis, the twin underwent an arterial switch and complete repair of her cardiac defect.

Results: She made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital 20 days after surgery.

Conclusion: Careful planning, skillful surgical separation and cardiac surgery by a combined medical and surgical team is the key to save the twins in such a rare case.

Key words: conjoined twins; sugery; transposition of great vessels

 World J Pediatr 2012;8(4):371-373