By: Natasha Archary
The Limpopo Department of Health has confirmed that a set of conjoined twins were born at Jane Furse Hospital.
Born via caesarean section, the twins are joined at the chest and abdomen. According to Thilivhali Muavha, the MEC’s Spokesperson, the mother was told her twin pregnancy was normal during antenatal clinic visits.
“It was only during the c-section did doctors discover that the babies were joined at the chest and abdomen. The babies were successfully delivered without any difficulties.”
The mother was referred to the hospital from a clinic and after delivery was transferred to Mankweng Hospital for further assessments.
Both neonatologists and paediatric surgeons will examine the babies to determine if surgery will be viable to separate the conjoined twins.
Limpopo Health MEC, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba is expected to visit the mother and twins on Friday. More details on the babies and mother will be communicated to media when available.
Also read: Baby Novah: Family desperate to raise money for life-saving treatment
Conjoined twins, sometimes referred to as Siamese twins is a rare occurrence that happens in-utero.
Only 1 in 49,000 births to 1 in 189,000 births are recorded to be twins joined at birth.
Approximately half the conjoined twins are born stillborn, and an additional one-third die within 24-hours.
Surgery to separate conjoined twins depends on the point of attachment and whether internal organs are shared between the twins.
Most cases of separation are extremely risky and life-threatening to one or both babies.
While there are cases where both twins were successfully separated, in most cases, doctors will determine if surgery is necessary to ensure the survival of one baby.
Surgeons will also advise if the twins can survive if they are not separated.
This is a developing story and more information will be made available as information is received.
