Assessment and management of conjoined twins

Although a rare anomaly, conjoined twins provide a unique challenge to the health care professional. At times, the ethical issues present difficult dilemmas for parents and hospital staff. An awareness of the moral dilemmas that tax the emotions of the most experienced hospital staff is the first step toward providing the appropriate support to these families. Nurses must have an understanding of the classification of conjoined twins and the preoperative and postoperative management. Additionally, awareness of the special needs of the family prior to discharge both before and after surgical separation allows for meeting comprehensive care needs. Although the process toward the separation of these twins can be complex, the overall outcome is rewarding.