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

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.