What happens if a conjoined twin dies?

If a conjoined twin dies, the other twin will likely die shortly after, unless they can be safely separated very quickly, as the shared organs and blood supply can lead to a rapid decline in the surviving twin’s health. The separation surgery is normally very involved and time-consuming, and even with immediate medical attention, the survival rate of the remaining twin is often low, making every minute count in such critical situations.

Understanding Conjoined Twins and Their Complexities

FAQs About Conjoined Twins

1. Can one conjoined twin survive if the other dies?: Whether from natural causes or an unintended catastrophe, the surviving twin usually follows in the footsteps of the deceased twin when one of the conjoined twins passes away, often due to shared vital organs and circulatory system.
2. What happens when one of the twins dies?: In the case of pregnancy continuation, the dead twin will progressively transform into “fetus papyraceous” due to the absorption of soft tissues, placental, and amniotic fluids.
3. Can conjoined twins survive without the other?: Both children may have all the organs and other structures they need, but they may share some structures or vital organs, like a heart, making separation a highly complex and risky procedure.
4. Have conjoined twins been separated but died?: There have been cases, like that of Ladan Bijani and Laleh Bijani, where separation surgery was attempted but resulted in the death of both twins due to significant blood loss during the procedure.
5. What happens to conjoined twins when one dies?: The surviving twin’s quality of life can be significantly impacted, and their life expectancy may be reduced, depending on the extent of shared organs and the timeliness of medical intervention.
6. What happens if one conjoined twin commits a crime?: The legal implications are complex, with the twins standing trial together, but only the guilty twin being named as a defendant, raising questions about justice and punishment.
7. Do conjoined twins sleep at the same time?: Research suggests that conjoined twins can sleep independently, with one twin awake while the other sleeps, similar to non-conjoined twins, highlighting their individuality.
8. Have conjoined twins ever had a baby?: There has been at least one documented case where conjoined twins have successfully become pregnant and given birth, despite the high risks involved in such a pregnancy.
9. Can a boy and girl be conjoined twins?: No, conjoined twins are always identical twins and therefore the same sex, as they develop from the same fertilized egg that fails to split properly.
10. What is the life expectancy of a conjoined twin?: The overall survival rate of conjoined twins is between 5% to 25%, with about 75% of surgical separations resulting in at least one twin surviving, though long-term health issues are common.
11. Will I bleed if I miscarry one twin?: Miscarrying one twin can lead to light bleeding or spotting, along with cramps in the uterus, similar to a single miscarriage, but the symptoms can be less severe.
12. Can a twin feel the other twin’s pain?: There are instances where twins report feeling each other’s physical pain, possibly due to their emotional connection and similar physiology.
13. Is a surviving twin a rainbow baby?: A rainbow baby refers to a baby born after a loss, including the loss of a twin, symbolizing hope and renewal after a previous tragedy.
14. Can one conjoined twin be awake and one asleep?: Conjoined twins can experience independent sleep patterns, allowing one twin to be awake while the other sleeps, which is a key aspect of their daily life and routine.
15. How do conjoined twins use the bathroom?: The use of the bathroom by conjoined twins can vary greatly, depending on their physical connection and mobility, with some requiring specialized facilities to manage their personal hygiene effectively.