AIIMS doctors separate conjoined twins in Odisha

New Delhi: After a very challenging 16-hour-long surgery, the conjoined twins were finally separated at Delhi’s prestigious AIIMS hospital. The twins, Jagga and Balia, are now all set t'o return to their native place, Odisha. They were taken to Odisha on September 6th in a train along with a team of three doctors and a nurse from AIIMS.

For rehabilitation and supportive care, the two children will be initially kept at SCB Medical College in Cuttack for a few weeks.

While interacting with media persons on September 6th, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and AIIMS President, New Delhi said, “It’s not only India’s scientists that are doing India proud, it is the commendable determination and commitment of the doctors that is also making India proud. This rarest of the rare surgery is one such shining example. It can be called AIIMS Delhi Jagga and Balia craniopagus surgery.”

Besides Dr Harsh Vardhan, there were 125 other doctors, experts and support teams who were a part of the complex operation. Applauding this rare feat, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the doctors of AIIMS had demonstrated extraordinary talent, expertise, determination and compassion in achieving it.

“This is the first successful craniopagus conjoined twin separation surgery in India wherein both the children have survived,” he said.

Worldwide only 10-15 children survived after surgical separation of this condition in the last 50 years, the doctor said.

This is an extremely rare condition and any kind of surgical intervention in this condition is associated with a 75-80% risk of life to one or both children, Dr Harsh Vardhan further stated.

Dr Vardhan expressed happiness over the fact that performing such a complex surgery proved that India was competent to perform many such surgeries and that even people from weak backgrounds can avail the best in medical care.