A Successful Separation Surgery on Conjoined Twins- Acibadem Healthcare Group (IHH Healthcare)
TLDRThe video script narrates the remarkable story of conjoined twin girls, Safa and Shifa, born in Algeria with fused chest walls, abdomens, heart membranes, and livers. Facing a high risk of mortality without surgery, the twins were entrusted to a team of Turkish doctors in Istanbul. A healthcare army of 100 professionals meticulously planned the separation surgery, which was a complex procedure involving various medical disciplines. The surgery was a success, with the twins surviving and being able to breathe independently within two days. Despite postoperative challenges, particularly for Shifa who had hydrocephalus, both twins overcame life-threatening conditions. The successful operation was a testament to the expertise and teamwork of the medical team, marking a significant achievement for the hospital and bringing immense joy to the twins' family.
Takeaways
- 🇩🇿 Safa and Shifa were born in Algeria as conjoined twins, sharing several vital organs.
- 👶 They were only 5 months old when they underwent a complex separation surgery.
- ⚠️ Their condition was life-threatening, with hydrocephalus affecting one twin and a high risk of death without surgery.
- 🔬 The surgery required a multi-disciplinary team of 100 medical professionals, highlighting the complexity of the procedure.
- 🏥 The family and the President of Algeria entrusted the twins' care to Turkish doctors in Istanbul.
- 🧐 Extensive research was conducted, revealing a 50% death rate after separation surgery for conjoined twins.
- 📚 Detailed anatomical examinations, including MRI, CT, and dynamic circulation studies, were performed to prepare for the surgery.
- 💡 Tissue expanders were used to gain enough tissue to cover the openings after the separation of the chest wall.
- 👨⚕️ Each specialty within the healthcare army played a crucial role, from pediatric surgery to plastic surgery.
- ⏳ The surgery was a race against time, with weeks to months of preparation and a high level of coordination required.
- 🛡️ The twins lacked chest and rib bones, making the creation of a solid chest wall one of the most challenging parts of the surgery.
- 🎉 The surgery was successful, with both twins surviving and the healthcare army celebrating their achievement.
Q & A
What was the condition of Safa and Shifa when they were born?
-Safa and Shifa were born as conjoined twins in Algeria, with their chest walls, abdomens, heart membranes, and livers fused together. They were missing chest and rib bones, and Shifa had hydrocephalus, with fluid accumulating in her brain, causing her condition to deteriorate daily.
Why was surgery considered necessary for Safa and Shifa?
-Surgery was a necessity for their survival due to their conjoined condition and the deteriorating health of Shifa, who had hydrocephalus. Without surgery, their chances of survival were significantly reduced.
What were the risks involved in the separation surgery for conjoined twins?
-The surgery was very risky due to the complexity of their fused organs and tissues. There was a 50% death rate after the separation operation, meaning one or both twins could die post-surgery. Additionally, there were ethical considerations due to the life-threatening nature of the procedure.
How did the medical team prepare for the separation surgery?
-A multi-disciplinary team of 100 people was formed, and they carefully planned and prepared for various scenarios based on test results. They conducted MRI studies, CT scans, and dynamic circulation studies to understand the anatomy and make a detailed plan for the surgery.
Why was the decision to perform the surgery considered vital and difficult?
-The decision was vital because without the surgery, the twins could not survive long-term. It was difficult because it involved a high risk of mortality, and ethical dilemmas, as the lives of two babies depended on the precision and success of the operation.
What specialties were involved in the healthcare team that performed the surgery?
-The healthcare team included pediatric intensive care unit specialists, pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric surgeons, pediatric cardiovascular surgeons, a transplantation team, general surgeons, and plastic surgeons, all working in harmony to ensure a successful operation.
What was the most challenging part of the surgery?
-The most challenging part was the separation of the conjoined chest wall and the subsequent coverage of the heart and chest after separation, due to the lack of tissue and the absence of solid chest bones, which are crucial for respiratory function.
How did the medical team ensure flawless coordination during the surgery?
-The healthcare team of 100 people was connected by invisible bonds, and each healthcare worker's movement had to be in harmony with the others. They practiced each step repeatedly, and every specialty provided its decision based on their expertise, trusting the team as a whole.
What was the outcome of the surgery?
-The surgery was successful, with both twins surviving the procedure. Safa's condition was quite good, while Shifa needed postoperative rehabilitation. Both twins were able to breathe independently within two days of the surgery.
How did the family and medical team react to the successful surgery?
-The family was filled with happiness and relief, finally able to hold their children individually for the first time. The healthcare team was proud of their achievement and felt a sense of accomplishment for passing the challenging test.
What was the significance of this surgery for the medical center and the team?
-The surgery was a testament to the medical center's expertise and ability to organize and execute complex procedures. It showcased the success of teamwork and the high level of skill and experience within the team, as any mistake could have led to failure.
Outlines
🇩🇿 Birth and Challenges of Conjoined Twins Safa and Shifa
Safa and Shifa, born in Algeria as conjoined twins, faced significant medical challenges from the start. They shared vital organs and structures, including their chest walls, abdomens, heart membranes, and livers, and were missing chest and rib bones. Shifa suffered from hydrocephalus, a condition causing fluid accumulation in the brain, which was rapidly deteriorating her health. The complexity of their situation meant that surgery was not just necessary but also extremely risky, with a high mortality rate among conjoined twins. The decision to proceed with surgery was made by the twins' family and the President of Algeria, entrusting the procedure to a team of Turkish doctors in Istanbul. A multidisciplinary team of 100 medical professionals at Aadam University Hospital meticulously planned the surgery, considering the rarity of the condition and the high stakes involved. The team conducted extensive research and prepared for various scenarios, highlighting the ethical and medical complexities of the operation.
🏥 The Multidisciplinary Approach to the Separation Surgery
The separation surgery of Safa and Shifa was an intricate procedure that demanded a high level of expertise and coordination. The healthcare team, consisting of 100 professionals, each an expert in their field, had to work in harmony to ensure a flawless operation. The surgery involved detailed anatomical examinations, including MRI and CT studies, and dynamic circulation studies to devise a strategy for the separation. The team decided that the twins' fused livers could be divided in a way that would allow both babies to survive. The operation was divided into two parts: the first part involved physically separating the twins, which was a delicate process given their shared chest wall and ribs. The second part was even more challenging, as it required creating a solid chest wall for each twin and covering the heart and chest without sufficient tissue. The use of tissue expanders was critical in this phase. The surgery was a race against time, with the family's anxiety heightening as the medical team worked meticulously to achieve perfection.
⏳ Successful Surgery and Recovery of Safa and Shifa
The surgery, which lasted approximately 9 hours, was a resounding success. The team's meticulous planning and execution allowed Safa and Shifa to wake up healthy and in their own bodies for the first time. The separation was smooth, with no injury to vital vessels or bile ducts, and no blood products or vessel sealing instruments were used. Postoperatively, both twins were weaned off respiratory support within two days, although Shifa required further rehabilitation due to neurological issues and hydrocephalus. The healthcare team's joy and emotional response to the successful surgery underscored the significance of the procedure. The twins' individual recovery and the family's ability to hold them separately for the first time marked a poignant moment for all involved. The surgery was a testament to the skill and teamwork of the medical professionals and a proud achievement for the hospital, which is one of the few centers capable of performing such complex operations.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Conjoined twins
💡Surgery
💡Medical team
💡Risk
💡Separation surgery
💡Hydrocephalus
💡Anesthesia
💡Tissue expander
💡Multidisciplinary approach
💡Ethical considerations
💡Postoperative rehabilitation
Highlights
Safa and Shifa, conjoined twins from Algeria, faced life-threatening conditions due to their fused organs and lack of chest and rib bones.
The twins' survival depended on a risky surgery with a high mortality rate of around 50% after separation.
A healthcare team of 100 people was formed at Adam University Hospital in Istanbul to perform the separation surgery.
Extensive research revealed only 101 similar cases, emphasizing the rarity and complexity of conjoined twins.
Ethical considerations were significant, as the surgery involved the potential loss of one or both twins.
The surgery required flawless coordination among multiple medical specialties, including pediatric surgery and anesthesiology.
Advanced imaging and 3D reconstructions were used to meticulously plan the surgery.
The twins' livers were successfully separated, with each twin receiving enough liver tissue to survive.
A tissue expander was used to gain additional tissue to cover the chest wall after separation.
The surgery was meticulously planned to avoid injury to vital blood vessels and bile ducts.
The twins were successfully separated in a 9-hour procedure, marking the first time they were in separate bodies.
Post-surgery, both twins were healthy, although one required postoperative rehabilitation due to neurological issues.
The healthcare team's success was attributed to their expertise, experience, and seamless teamwork.
The surgery was a significant achievement for the hospital and the medical team, showcasing their ability to handle complex cases.
The family's emotional response upon seeing their separated children highlighted the profound impact of the surgery.
The twins' ability to be held individually by their family for the first time symbolized a new beginning for them.
The surgery's success rate and the team's coordination set a high standard for the treatment of conjoined twins.
Transcripts
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