Conjoined twins occur when identical twins have fused bodies before they are born.
This condition has also been known as “Siamese twins,” now considered an inappropriate, outdated term.
However, there are two theories about the possible causes of conjoined twins.
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Conjoined twins are alwaysidentical twins.
The main theory for conjoined twins is that this splitting process isn’t complete.
The second theory for conjoined twins suggests that two separate embryos fuse together while they are developing.
It’s not clear what would cause either of these situations to occur.
They also appeared on a TLC show.
Most recently, Abby was married, with plenty of Instagram wedding photos to see.
You’ll likely be followed by a healthcare provider who specializes in high-risk pregnancies.
Not all conjoined twins are candidates for surgery, such as when the babies share a heart.
However, continuing advances in surgical procedures have led to successful separation surgeries.
Who Are the Longest Living Conjoined Twins?
The longest-living pair of conjoined twins were believed to be the late Ronnie and Donnie Galyon.
They were 68 years old when they died in 2020.
Lori and George Schappell, 62, died in 2024.
Eng and Chang Bunker, the “Siamese twins” of the 1800s, lived to be 63.
Ethical Concerns
Healthcare providers need to consider the ethical dimensions of separation surgery for conjoined twins.
Summary
The incidence of conjoined twins is quite rare.
Most commonly, conjoined twins are joined at the chest.
Conjoined twins are typically diagnosed early on in pregnancy with ultrasound.
The prognosis for conjoined twins is not good.
Many do not survive in utero or they die shortly after birth.
However, separation surgery can be performed successfully in some cases.
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