Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC Ntombi Mekgwe wished the mother of conjoined twins all the best as doctors prepare for surgery during her visit to Chris Hani Baragwanath this afternoon.
The two girls who are joined at the chest and part of the abdomen were born by caesarean section to a teenage mother at the hospital on Monday, 15 November 2010. They are currently at neonatal high care unit undergoing tests in preparation for the surgery.
The young mother was referred to the hospital from Klerksdorp as a high risk pregnancy. The conjoined twins were diagnosed by ultra sound upon arrival at Chris Hani Baragwanath.
During her visit, MEC Mekgwe was impressed with the treatment the mother and the girls are receiving at the hospital.
She thanked the health professionals caring for the twins and their mother for their dedication and hard work. She also offered the department’s support to the hospital.
“As the department we will work closely with the family as well as the hospital to ensure that all things possible are done for the operation to be a success,” she said.
Currently the twins are at neonatal high care unit undergoing tests and so far they have shown that the twins have separate hearts but share a pericardial sac (sac covering the heart) and there is a suspicion that the twins share a liver.
Further tests are being done to determine the degree to which vital organs are shared between the twins in preparation for the surgery. These tests are vital as successful separation of the twins will depend on the degree to which vital organs are shared.
The mother as well as her family is receiving support in the form of counselling from the hospital so they can understand the situation and also to prepare them for any eventuality.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
