Siamese sisters: 11 hours of operation to separate Erin and Abby

For the first time, Abby and Erin Delaney will be able to sleep, play and eat next to each other. Until June 6, the 10-month-old twins, born in North Carolina (United States), were connected by the top of the skull.

But after 11 hours of operation, surgeons from the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia (United States) managed to separate them. About thirty doctors, surgeons and nurses were mobilized. A first for the hospital, which has already separated 23 pairs of Siamese brothers and sisters.

A meticulous operation

Before embarking on this perilous operation, the surgeons prepared the operation for months by repeating the gestures and imagining all the possible scenarios. The two little girls had been hospitalized since February pending their intervention.

“During the operation, the first team meticulously separated the blood vessels and the dura (layer of meninges that covers the inner wall of the skull, editor’s note). This tough membrane enveloped the brains of both children, describes neurosurgeon Dr. Gregory Heuer. We then divided the sagittal sinus (a venous sinus), which is the most difficult part of the operation ”.

Long months of convalescence

“Erin and Abby are now supported by the pediatric intensive care unit and closely monitored by our teams,” continues Dr. Jesse Taylor, surgeon, who specifies that the recovery of the little ones will be long and complicated.

Over the next few months, their neurological development will be closely monitored. They will also benefit from one or two other reconstructive surgery operations.

The parents of the two little girls can’t wait for this to end. Since giving birth, Heather Delaney has never stopped going back and forth between hospital and home. And her daughters have never seen their room before. “When we get home, we’re going to have a huge party. It will allow us to celebrate their arrival in our life and their first anniversary, ”said Heather Delaney with joy.