Conjoined twins from Nigeria have
been successfully separated after a complex operation at a Tennessee hospital
days before their first birthday.
Miracle and Testimony Ayeni were
separated during 18 hours of surgery that began on November 7 and ended on
November 8th at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital,.
Memphis, spokeswoman Anne Glanker
said.
"Miracle and Testimony Ayeni came to Le Bonheur six
months ago seeking help. They were born conjoined at the lower half of their
bodies, sharing multiple organs. Connected, these girls would never be able to
walk or ride a bike or even grow up to have families of their own. But last
week, our expert surgical team performed a complex 18-hour surgery,
successfully separating the twins. Today, their parents are able to hold t hem
separately," the hospital said.
The twins were joined together at
the pelvis, a condition that occurs in one of about 5 million births, said Dr.
Max Langham, who led the surgery team.
"Without separation, their future wasn't very
good," Langham said at a news conference on Tuesday. "They would grow
up inconsistent, unable to walk, totally dependent for all of their care and
unable to participate in the world fully."
On Wednesday, November 16th, the
family had another reason to celebrate as it was the twins' first birthday.
You can see more photos on the hospitals facebook page..
source:Facebook/lebonheur Childrens Hospital
JMK