Conjoined twins in Zambia.

The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) is based in the Zambian capital, Lusaka. It is the main referral centre for the country, which has a population of over 8 million (census 1992). Thirteen sets of conjoined twins have been seen over the 24 year period between 1970 and 1993. Out of 13 cases of conjoining twins three were stillborn (reported in 1978). Ten cases of our personal series were analysed including three successful separations. An attempt has been made to establish the incidence of conjoined twins in Zambia. Basic principles of management have been suggested and the constraints encountered in developing countries have been discussed.