Thirteen-month-old twins, Lucas and Emma, who were conjoined at the head, have been successfully separated following an extensive 16-hour surgical procedure. The operation took place on Friday under the skilled hands of Dr. Sarah Thompson at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.
The twins’ mother, Jennifer, shared the news on social media, expressing her mixed emotions regarding the outcome of the surgery. “I should be overwhelmed with joy,” Jennifer posted. “TWO SEPARATE CHILDREN!!!…yet I am consumed by the uncertainty of what lies ahead. I didn’t shed a tear until the surgical team left the room. It was hard to say ‘thank you’ with the weight of anxiety in my stomach. We are at the precipice of an unknown future.”
Lucas and Emma shared critical vascular and neural connections, which complicated the separation process. Jennifer noted that Dr. Thompson had to rely on her instincts to make crucial decisions during the surgery, as there wasn’t a clear path for dissection.
“The atmosphere in the operating room was a blend of celebration and apprehension,” Jennifer explained. Emma faced significant challenges during the procedure, experiencing fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, but stabilized once fully separated. Jennifer conveyed concerns that Emma may have limited mobility on one or both sides of her body, and medical teams are closely monitoring her for potential complications such as brain swelling and stroke.
“There was a moment when Dr. Thompson considered halting the surgery due to the risks involved,” Jennifer recalled. “But then an opportunity arose, and they took it, which proved to be the right decision.”
The decision to proceed with the separation surgery posed an immense challenge for the twins’ parents, as it came with considerable risks, including the potential for death or severe neurological damage. Conversely, the alternative of not operating also carried significant dangers, given that 80% of twins conjoined at the head experience fatal medical issues by age two if not separated, as noted by medical experts.
The ensuing months will be critical for Lucas and Emma, as they navigate an unpredictable recovery process. Prior to the surgery, the twins were full of smiles, but now they face a delicate and vulnerable healing journey.
“We’ve taken a monumental leap of faith, but now we must proceed with caution,” Jennifer remarked. “I feel as though I am stuck in a moment, reliving the joy of yesterday until I see those smiles again.” The twins’ separation marks the seventh and most lengthy procedure performed by Dr. Thompson, making it the 59th such operation globally since 1952.
The twins will remain intubated for approximately a week, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help with medical expenses. “If there was ever a time we needed prayers throughout this journey… it is now,” Jennifer concluded.
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In summary, after a lengthy and complex surgery, conjoined twins Lucas and Emma have been successfully separated, leaving their family facing a hopeful yet uncertain path ahead. The recovery process will be closely monitored, as the twins navigate this new chapter in their lives.
Keyphrase: conjoined twins separation surgery
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