Title: The successful separation of two Siamese sisters in Senegal: an unprecedented medical feat
Introduction :
In a rare and perilous surgical intervention, the teams of the Center Hospitalier National d’Enfants Albert Royer, in Dakar, succeeded in the separation of two conjoined twin sisters. This operation, successfully carried out on August 9, is a real medical feat in Senegal. A look back at this exceptional intervention which gave these two young girls a new chance.
The fight against a rare malformation:
It was during a routine ultrasound, at four months of pregnancy, that the mother of the twins learned of the presence of a rare malformation: the two sisters are conjoined, connected by the liver and the sternum. After several months of medical follow-up and preparation, a cesarean section is scheduled for September 4, 2022, giving birth to these twins united by this unique bond.
An exceptional surgical intervention:
The separation operation, which lasted an hour and twenty minutes, was carried out expertly by a team of around ten experienced surgeons from the Center Hospitalier National d’Enfants Albert Royer. The main difficulty lay in the separation of the liver, a vital and complex organ, which required special attention to ensure the proper functioning of each sister. Thanks to their expertise and flawless coordination, the surgeons succeeded in giving each Siamese an independent liver, thus allowing their future autonomy.
Positive results and gradual recovery:
The twins are doing well after the operation. They gradually integrated their new living condition and began to explore their autonomy. Each plays on its side, feeds and flourishes. Post-operative complications were minimal, and their monitoring continues to ensure a complete and uneventful recovery.
A cost borne by the State:
The high-cost surgery was fully paid for by the Senegalese state. This coverage bears witness to the importance given to children’s health and to access to quality medical care. This is a significant step towards better management of congenital malformations and progress in the field of pediatric surgery in Senegal.
Conclusion :
The successful separation of two Siamese twin sisters in Senegal is a real medical achievement that testifies to the advances made in the field of pediatric surgery. This intervention, carried out successfully, gives these two young girls an invaluable chance to lead independent and fulfilling lives. We salute the remarkable work of the medical teams and hope that this success will pave the way for new advances for patients with congenital malformations