Next 15 days most critical for separated twins: AIIMS

BHUBANESWAR: Even as the conjoined twins of Kandhamal were separated successfully at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi after a marathon surgery for over 16 hours, doctors said next 15 days are most crucial for them.A team of 40 doctors including 20 surgeons and 10 anesthesiologists conducted the first-of-its-kind surgery on the craniopagus conjoined twins with the support of 20 nurses and many other paramedical staff.

“The twins are now in the ICU. They will be kept under direct observation of doctors for at least 72 hours. Next 15 days are most crucial for them since it is one of the rarest surgeries we have performed so far. Our fingers are crossed and we hope for exciting results,” Director of AIIMS Prof Randeep Guleria told reporters at New Delhi.The separation surgery that stated at about 9.30 am on Wednesday  continued for over 11 hours and the twins were separated at 8.45 pm.

Since there was no skin left on their skull after surgery, the plastic  surgeons took four to five hours for grafting and covering the brain by  using skin flap. The whole process completed at about 2.30 am on  Thursday, said Head of the team Prof Ashok Mahapatra. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, “Glad to learn of successful separation of Jaga Kalia at AIIMS. Congrats to the doctors’ team. Pray to Lord Jagannath for speedy recovery.”