In a ground-breaking achievement, conjoined twins from Mauritania have been successfully separated at Barcelona's Sant Joan de Déu hospital, Spain, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Saturday.
The medical team announced that the babies, Khadija and Cherive, were both healthy. Doctors believe that the siblings will be able to grow independently and autonomously, "with a perfect quality of life."
The momentous operation, performed as part of the hospital's solidarity program, marked the first time the institution undertook the separation of Siamese twins.
Born on October 8 in Mauritania, the twins were conjoined at the top of the abdomen with a single umbilical cord.
After receiving the approval of the doctors, the girls were brought to the country on October 25 in a Spanish Air Force plane.
The surgical endeavor, described as "highly complex" by medical professionals, involved simultaneous collaboration from multiple teams.
Dr. Xavier Tarrado, the head of surgery at Sant Joan de Déu, revealed that the twins were conjoined by their livers, both of which exhibited normal and independent functionality. The surgical team, ensuring maximum safety, utilized a virtual and printed simulation of the conjoined organs, identifying 50 crucial factors for consideration on the day of separation.
"It was an exceptional situation for our center and it was necessary to guarantee maximum safety," Tarrado said.
As of Friday, the medical team has declared both babies, Khadija and Cherive, in good health, expressing confidence in their ability to lead independent and fulfilling lives. The successful separation has not only brought relief to the medical team but also symbolizes a remarkable triumph in the field of paediatric surgery. The twins are expected to be discharged at the beginning of next week, marking the start of their individual journeys.
Thanks to the simulated organ, 50 different items were identified that the medical team should consider on the day of separation.