Conjoined Twins Underwent an 18-Hour Surgery for Separation

Conjoined twins occur when, in the early stages of development, an embryo only partially separates to form two babies. The twins may share organs.

Conjoined twins are rare. The 28-month-old conjoined twins from Odisha, who underwent an 18-hour surgery for separation at AIIMS last week, are stable and their condition has further improved, the hospital authorities said.

‘Conjoined twins, Jaga and Kalia, from Odisha were "successfully" separated by a team of doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.’

Out of the two, Jaga, whose condition had deteriorated post surgery, has been taken off the ventilator. He is conscious and recognises the mother, responding to questions.

"Jaga's cardiac and kidney function has further improved. If he remains stable, he will be shifted to private ward after 48 hours," said a statement from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

A team of 15 consultations and 10 residents are looking after them under the supervision of two professors.

According to the hospital, other child Kalia is still on the ventilator but his condition is stable.

The Odisha government has sanctioned Rs. one crore from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the twins' treatment. "His parameters are normal. It is expected that he will be kept in ICU for a longer period. 20-30 consultants of various specialised departments are looking after the babies in ICU and providing best possible care," the statement added.

Source: IANS