KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Women and Children's Hospital in Likas here has made history by successfully separating a pair of conjoined (Siamese) twins on June 2.
The surgery was conducted on a pair of girls prematurely born at 32 weeks and one of them had heart and kidney problems.
The girls, now in stable condition, underwent the operation at just 28 days old, instead of the usual four to six months for such procedures.
According to the Sabah Health Department, the Pygopagus conjoined twins were joined at the lower abdomen, where the digestive and reproductive organs are located.
Due to one of the girls' condition, the surgery had to be expedited.
The operation was a successful collaboration of various teams including specialists from Peninsular Malaysia, involving departments such as neonatology, anaesthesiology, paediatrics, neurology, neurosurgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiology, nurses and other support staff.
Both girls are now undergoing observation at the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.
The Health Department said the successful surgery clearly demonstrates the hospital's dedication and commitment to providing the best services to patients and children with complex congenital anomalies.
With the expansion of the speciality, children with complex congenital anomalies can get better access to care and treatment in Sabah, instead of going out of state.
This will reduce the emotional, financial, and logistical burden on parents and patients.
