Twin boys born conjoined celebrate 1st birthday after separation surgery

On Aug. 21, a surgical squad astatine Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with much than 2 twelve specialists, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses, and galore others, operated for 8 hours to abstracted the boys. Their abdomens were closed and rebuilt utilizing layers of mesh and integrative country techniques.

This photograph provided by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia shows conjoined twins, Amari and Javar Ruffin, astatine the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, March 20, 2024. (Ed Cunicelli/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia via AP)

The boys went location Tuesday to beryllium with their parents, Tim and Shaneka, and their siblings, Kaylum and Anora.

“Seeing them each successful their ain beds was an indescribable feeling,” Shaneka Ruffin said. “It feels similar we are opening a caller travel arsenic a household of six. We are truthful grateful to CHOP for helping marque this time imaginable and letting america commencement this adjacent chapter.”

The Ruffins learned the twins were conjoined done a regular ultrasound 12 weeks into the pregnancy. Shaneka Ruffin said it was recommended to her that she terminate her pregnancy. They got a 2nd opinion, and the infirmary told them that though the boys had a uncommon condition, they could beryllium separated successfully.

Conjoined twins hap astir erstwhile successful each 35,000-80,000 births. The infirmary is 1 of lone a fewer successful the U.S. with expertise successful separating them.