Such a pathology of intrauterine development, in which there is a violation of the separation of identical twins, is not common. Because of this, the birth of these children is news of state scale. Consider the phenomenon, naming its causes, find out why Siamese twins are born.
Why are the "Siamese twins" so called?
The term "Siamese twins" accept the pathology of development, in which 2 fetuses, while still in the mother's womb, are not divided into 2 separate organisms, growing together with parts of the body. Born babies often have common system organs, which imposes a certain imprint on their functioning. Almost always such children face problems during socialization, which affects the work of the nervous system.
Talking about why this pathology of development is called "Siamese twins", doctors note that the name is due to the deposit of the first known twins Eng and Chang that were born in Siam (present-day Thailand). They escaped death in infancy through the efforts of their mother. By order of the king, they were to be killed, since they carried a "seal of the devil." The brothers had a fused body in the waist. Traveling around the world, they showed themselves to the public, gaining increasing fame.
Why are Siamese twins born?
It should be noted that at the heart of the pathology is the violation of the process of cell division at the embryonic stage of development. By themselves, Siamese twins are monohyzotes - formed from a single zygote. In this case, the set of genes in them is identical and the gender of such children is the same. Pathology is formed when splitting does not occur until 13 days and gradual development of embryos continues. As a result, the Siamese twins appear, the cause of this pathology is often unclear. Physicians identify several groups of factors. Among them are:
- genetic - are associated with a violation in the structure of the genes, which causes a violation of the fission process;
- environmental impact;
- toxic effects - contact with toxic substances, the work of parents in harmful production (chemical, nuclear industry).
Life of Siamese twins
Born with such a violation, children are difficult to adapt to the conditions of society. Because the fusion often occurs in the trunk region, the loins, the children have one common organ (liver, intestine). This makes life difficult. As the babies grow, the load increases, the organs can not cope, there are violations that are not compatible with life:
- kidney failure ;
- liver failure;
- violation of breathing.
In view of such conditions that with time progress, with the possibility of separating the Siamese twins, doctors perform the operation. Preliminary complex diagnosis is carried out, including hardware and laboratory research methods. On the basis of the data obtained, the methods of surgical intervention are being worked out, as a result of which the Siamese twins are separated, pathology is excluded.
Separation of Siamese twins
The operation is assigned taking into account individual characteristics, topology of the changed internal organs and systems. The course is worked out by a group of surgeons. In a single operation, several groups of specialists may change at the table. Everything depends on the specific stage of the surgical intervention. Separated Siamese twins for a long time undergo a process of rehabilitation, which is associated with the development of adaptive responses by the organs to the changed conditions. The twins themselves are under the supervision of doctors, periodically undergoing rehabilitation courses.
Operation for the separation of Siamese twins
The first operation to separate Siamese twins was carried out in the 17th century (1689) by Kening. This surgical intervention was the first attempt, which was unsuccessful. In total, during a time similar to surgical practice, doctors performed about 300 operations. In this case, for "fine work", when it is necessary to separate the brain structures, the base of the spine, physicians began to be accepted recently.
Siamese twins after separation
It is worth noting that the operation itself often entails the formation of moral and aesthetic problems. It often happens that one vital organ is common to both twins. Carrying out the surgical intervention, separating them, will lead to the death of one of the brothers or sisters. This factor becomes an obstacle to the implementation of manipulation.
Talking about why Siamese twins die in a short time, doctors note that it is impossible to fully predict the outcome. Often bodies can not cope, there is a failure. This condition is accompanied by a gradual deterioration of well-being, rapid progression. Patients are sometimes forced to constantly undergo procedures, continue to live at the expense of medical devices.
The most famous Siamese twins
This pathology is rare. Because of this, the birth of such twins is news, which acquires a state, and sometimes a global scale. The glorified Siamese twins, whose photos are below, have forever left a mark on history. Among them:
- Rose and Joseph Blazek. They were born in 1878. They became famous for virtuosic playing on musical instruments (violin and harp). They died in 1922, they were not divided.
- Gita and Zita Rezakhanov. They were born in Kyrgyzstan. In 2003 there was an operation to separate them. In 2015, Zita died due to multiple organ failure.
- Veronica and Kristina Kaygorodtsevy. Originally from Khakassia. They were fused with the pelvic region. The separation operation ended in the death of Veronica.
- Daria and Maria Krivoshlyapovs. At birth had a common body, 3 legs. The girls were taken from their parents for research in the USSR Academy of Sciences. In 2003, the sisters were killed, they were ill with alcoholism. The separation operation was not carried out.