Because 1 twin cannot survive because of a severe birth defect and separation is the only way to give the other twin a chance to live.For the physical health of both children, while also giving them the chance to have independent bodies and lives.Some conjoined twins have happy, healthy, full lives by staying connected. Sometimes separation surgery is not possible for a variety of reasons, so staying connected is the only real option. Whether to do surgery to separate your twins depends on their chance of survival and quality of life for each baby. This will help you and the healthcare team decide how to care for the twins. These tests give our healthcare team important information about your babies’ health and how they are connected. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which avoids the radiation used in CT scans.CT (computed tomography) scan, using computers and X-rays to make pictures inside the body.Ultrasound to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body using sound waves.Electrocardiography to study heart rate and rhythm.Echocardiography to see how well the heart muscle is working.Arteriography to see inside blood vessels (arteries) using x-rays and special dye.We have the expertise to do these and other tests to learn more about your conjoined twins’ condition: Our transport team is very experienced bringing fragile newborns from their birth hospitals to Seattle Children’s. Your babies will transfer to Seattle Children’s soon after birth. We recommend delivery of your baby at the University of Washington by obstetricians who are experienced with high-risk pregnancies. This is because a vaginal birth is too hard for the mother and babies. Usually delivery by cesarean section (C-section) will be scheduled a month before the twins’ due date. We have all the experts your family needs. Whether your twins are separated or remain joined, we provide complete care through childhood and into the early adult years.We work with you to decide on the best treatment for your babies. Even so, surgery is not always the best choice. Seattle Children’s is a leading center in successful surgery for conjoined twins.We talk with you about what to expect, the babies’ chance for survival, whether it will be possible to separate them and their likely quality of life if they stay connected or are separated.These may include cardiologists, lung specialists, anesthesiologists, urologists, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiac surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists and nutritionists. Other specialists as needed will care for your child. Your children’s team will include nurses, surgeons and doctors who specialize in newborns with complex problems ( neonatologists). An expert team of healthcare providers will assess your twins’ condition and plan and carry out their treatment. Each set of conjoined twins is unique.Compassionate care, starting with diagnosis.If you would like more information or have a referral, call 20 to schedule an appointment. If you would like an appointment, talk with your pregnancy care provider for a referral to our Fetal Care and Treatment Center. Doctors Separate Conjoined Twins in Seattle (ABC News, October 1, 2000). Gift of Freedom ( People magazine, December 4, 2000).Formerly Conjoined Twins Continue to Find Independence ( The Olympian, February 27, 2016, story and video).Read about Kathleen and Charity, separated at Seattle Children’s in 2000: Provide care for your conjoined twins if they cannot be separated or your family decides not to separate them.
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