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We report the case of a dichorionic and diamniotic pregnancy with the unique feature of an early ultrasound diagnosis of a 4-week size difference, which persisted throughout pregnancy. At birth, the twins had a 1-month difference in physical and neurological maturity. We believe that only the phenomenon of a superfetation can explain this difference. We report the cases found in the literature. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Having carried out four cases of vaginal caesarean section the authors describe the technique they used. The advantages of the operation are: it is simple and can be carried out quickly, future obstetric behaviour is not compromised. It is important to avoid two complications of the operation: haemorrhage and injury to the bladder. These are reduced if the vertical incision in the cervix is made in the midline and long enough. The ideal indications for the operation are absence of cervical dilatation, or the occurrence of severe maternal haemorrhage during the operation to terminate a pregnancy, or while the uterine contents are being expelled towards the end of the second trimester. It is disputable whether there is a place for vaginal caesarean operation when the fetus is alive, in view of the recent studies on fetal prognosis.