Siamese Children: What They Are Like, Risk Factors And Separation
Have you got an idea of what Siamese children are like? As time has passed, this pregnancy complication has become a bit more common. It should be noted that the highest percentage of linked siblings are girls. But why are they called that? Find out below.
Siamese twins overview
The term Siamese twins dates back to the 19th century when the brothers Eug Bunker and Chang were born, who were joined by cartilage in the abdomen. These were born in Siam, Thailand. Hence the name Siamese.
Siamese babies are born physically attached to each other. However, there is still no scientific explanation for this fact. However , the most widespread theory is the early separation of an embryo or only partially separated. Although two fetuses develop, they remain fused. In some cases, these children also share one or more internal organs.
On the other hand, they are prone to other malformations, many related to the binding site. It is estimated, on the prognosis of twins, that 50% are still born and 35% die during the first day of life.
Classification of linked siblings
Siamese children are classified according to the parts of their body that are attached. The current classification developed by Potter is as follows:
Asymmetrical
They are twins that are born asymmetrically; that is, one of them is smaller than the other. Therefore, one depends on the other, since the smaller one is often incomplete.
Symmetrical
Symmetrically conjoined twins in most cases are stillborn. Those that manage to survive require subsequent surgery to separate them. These are classified as follows:
- Thoracópagos : linked by or near the outer region.
- Ischiopagi : united at the level of the lower pelvis. They are linked up to the navel, while above, the bodies are normally separated.
- Pigópagos : they are united by the back, normally by the pelvis with sacrum and common vertebrae. In addition, the digestive tubes end in a common rectum and anus. They usually suffer from genitourinary malformations.
- Craniopagus : Linked at the middle of the head, although the brains are usually separated.
Risk factors and complications
Siamese births are rare, however they are more common today. It should be noted that, in these cases, the twins must be delivered by scheduled cesarean section. The union can be detected at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy by means of an ultrasound.
Supervision in pregnancy
Are you pregnant with conjoined twins? You must have good control during pregnancy. In addition, it is necessary to see a fetal doctor who is an expert in high-risk pregnancies. They will likely refer you to other specialists such as pediatric cardiologists, pediatric surgeons, and neonatologists. Together, they study the anatomy, functional abilities and prognosis of your children.
Keep in mind to bring a trusted family member or friend to your consultations. Also, prepare in advance the questions you want to ask the doctor.
Childbirth
Once the doctor detects that Siamese children are coming, he indicates a surgical delivery. It is planned in advance, usually four weeks before the date of the probable delivery. After birth, they are evaluated and the medical team makes decisions regarding care and impending surgery.
The separation of Siamese children
Siamese twins can be successfully separated by surgery. However, there are more complicated cases to separate; for example, those who share heart and brain. Therefore, before the intervention, it must be determined through an exhaustive study, which organs are complete.
In addition, it must be analyzed whether the children are healthy enough to withstand the surgical intervention. Likewise, it should be studied what other surgeries the conjoined twins need after the operation and what functional support will be necessary.
In the case of symmetrical Siamese it is more difficult, since they generally have shared organs. The survival percentage of these once separated is 50%. But, in the case of asymmetric ones, it is 90%.
The best results can be obtained when carrying out the separation between the 5 months and the first year of life.
Although it is not easy to determine the life expectancy and obstacles that Siamese children will face , you should face them with peace of mind. To do this, make sure you receive the necessary support from organizations, medical teams, family members and social workers.
