How 38 Medical Experts Separated Conjoined Twins in 15-Hour Surgery

Doctors at The Kenyatta National Hospital performed a successful surgery that saw conjoined twins separated.

The male newborns, who were connected at the chest and abdomen at birth and were born four months ago in Bungoma County, began a new life apart on Sunday after the risky procedure that took 15 hours.

The operation began on Saturday night at a10 pm and ended on Sunday at midday.

It was carried out by a dedicated team of at least 38 medical professionals from KNH and UoN, led by pediatric surgeon Dr. Joel Lessan.

The team consisted of 24 surgeons (cardiothoracic (1), plastic and reconstructive (5), pediatric (14), and anesthetists) in addition to six nursing officers.

Twins linked face to face at the chest and abdomen were referred to as having a "Thoracobnominocophagus" syndrome by medical professionals.

Although the precise causation of conjoined twins is unknown, it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may interact to generate the condition.

These particular conjoined twins frequently share a heart and perhaps the liver and upper intestine as well. This is one of the most prevalent locations for conjoined twins worldwide.

Dr. Lessan claims that on Saturday night, when one of them experienced a cardiac arrest, the decision to operate on them was made in order to save their lives.

He said that one of the kids had an aberrant blood artery emanating from the heart, and that both kids had many holes in their hearts.

This, he claimed, was made worse by a potentially fatal infection at two months old that was identified and treated promptly.

Although six months was intended to be the optimum time for safe separation, he said that one of the twins acquired high pulmonary hypertension, putting them in even greater danger, including impending heart failure.

 “We split the twins apart in an emergency because a second cardiac arrest might endanger the life of the other sibling. The successful surgery on Sunday was the result of our mobilization of the team, resources, and medications,” he stated.

Both infants are doing well and are currently receiving therapy and close supervision at KNH's ICU.

Nurtures them into happy and healthy children. The KNH team seized the moment against all odds. We celebrate their dedication to achieve this incredible milestone today,” Dr Kamuri concluded.

The risky procedure carried out on Sunday marked new lives for the two boys.