Regular ultrasonography can detect conjoined twins as early as week seven or twelve of pregnancy. About midway through pregnancy, more thorough ultrasounds and tests that create images of the fetus's heart using sound waves (echocardiograms) can be employed. These tests can provide more information about the twins' level of connectivity and how well their organs are operating. KD Blossom is a hospital in Ahmedabad whose team of experts has been well-trained over the years to carry out the required treatment methods in such crucial situations.
Conjoined twins may be found via ultrasound, in which case an MRI scan may be performed. The conjoined twins' shared organs and points of connection may become clearer via the MRI. Pregnancy-related care planning is aided by fetal magnetic resonance imaging and fetal echocardiography. Additional testing is carried out after birth to help determine the similarities and differences in each twin's organ function and body composition.
Treatment
Conjoined twins' specific circumstances—their health problems, the location of their joining, whether or not they share organs or other critical structures, and other potential complications—will determine how they are treated.
Monitoring During Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy, you will probably be extensively followed if you have conjoined twins. In a high-risk pregnancy, you will probably be referred to a maternal and fetal medicine specialist. You might also be directed to additional pediatric specialists in the following cases:
- For performing surgery.
- Kidneys, bladder, and other urinary system components (pediatric urologist).
- Joint and bone surgery (orthopedic pediatric surgeon).
- Correction and repair through surgery (plastic and reconstructive surgeon).
- Blood vessels and the heart (pediatric cardiologist).
- Pediatric cardiovascular surgeon specializing in heart and blood vessel surgery.
- Newborn infant care (neonatologist).
As much information as you can about your twins is shared with your medical team, including your experts. To create a treatment plan for your twins, you must educate yourself on their bodily structures, functional capacities, and expected course of events.
The Delivery
An early C-section is scheduled, usually three or four weeks before the expected delivery date.
Your conjoined twins undergo a thorough evaluation upon birth. With this knowledge, you and your medical team can decide on the best course of action for them, including whether separation surgery is necessary.
Separation Surgery
To give time for planning and preparation, separation surgery is often performed six to twelve months following the twins' birth, should the decision to separate them be made. If one of the twins passes away, becomes seriously ill, or poses a threat to the other twin's survival, an emergency separation may be necessary.
Choosing whether to perform separation surgery requires careful consideration of many intricate aspects. Due to variations in body shape and function, every set of conjoined twins provides different challenges. Concerns consist of:
- Whether the twins' hearts or other important organs are shared.
- If the twins' health permits them to endure surgery for separation.
- Likelihood of a successful split.
- What kind and how much reconstructive surgery each twin will require following their separation?
- Kind and level of post-separation functional support required.
- What difficulties do the twins have if they continue to be joined?
The results of separation surgery have improved because of recent advancements in prenatal imaging, critical care, and anesthetic treatment. Pediatric rehabilitation treatments are essential following separation surgery to support the twins' healthy development. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as other support as required, are examples of services.
What If Surgery Is Not An Option?
Your team can assist you in providing for your twins' medical requirements if separation surgery is not possible or if you choose not to have the procedure done.
In cases of extreme severity, medical comfort care is administered, including nourishment, hydration, human touch, and pain management.
Conclusion
It might be distressing to find out that your unborn twins have a serious illness or perhaps fatal condition. You face challenges as a parent making tough choices for your conjoined twins and an uncertain future. Determining the outcome can be challenging, and conjoined twins who survive can encounter significant challenges.
Conjoined twins are uncommon, thus it could be challenging to locate helpful materials. Find out from your medical team whether there are medical social workers or counselors on staff who can assist. Ask for information about groups that assist parents of children who have physical disabilities or who have lost a child, depending on your needs.
