Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
Ntombikayise Tyhalisi (31), the mother of a set of conjoined twins who underwent a major operation at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) in Cape Town, has spoken of her unbridled joy – after her newborns were successfully separated AT THE HEAD by medical specialists.
Siphosethu and Amahle were born in February. Their condition has been described as ‘the rarest form of conjoined twinning’ by those who operated on them. The babies were joined in a manner that is referred to as ‘craniopagus twinning’. It occurs about once in every 2.5 million live births worldwide – making these siblings a pair of medical marvels!
A multi-disciplinary team involving a full set for each twin was put together for this unique surgery. Each team comprised of an anaesthetist, neurosurgeon, plastic surgeon, and nurses, spanning across two provincial departments.
Doctor Anita Parbhoo, acting CEO for Red Cross WMCH, thanked the dozens of medical experts who ensured the twins’ surgery would be a success, and spoke of her pride for the successful operation they managed to pull off.
“We’re proud of the entire multidisciplinary team involved in helping these twin patients: from the birthing team in the Eastern Cape and the referring clinicians, to our staff in the wards and theatre and then to those involved with the post-surgery care. A huge thank you to everyone.” | Dr. Anita Parbhoo