In an incredible feat of medical science, conjoined twins, Leo and Ava Thompson, who were joined at the head, have been successfully separated after an extensive 16-hour surgery. The operation, performed by Dr. Michael Harris at the Children’s Health Center in New York, marks a significant milestone in their journey.
Their mother, Sarah, shared the heartwarming news on social media, but tempered her excitement with the realities of their situation. “I should feel overjoyed,” Sarah wrote on Facebook. “We now have TWO SEPARATE CHILDREN!!!… but my heart is heavy with what lies ahead. I didn’t shed a tear until the surgeons left the room, and even then, it was hard to express my gratitude because of the overwhelming uncertainty we face.”
The twins shared vital blood vessels and brain tissue, making the separation both challenging and dangerous. Sarah revealed that Dr. Harris had to rely on instinct to make critical decisions during the procedure. “The atmosphere was a mix of celebration and anxiety,” she noted. Ava encountered more difficulties during surgery, with fluctuating heart rates and blood pressure, but stabilized once the twins were fully separated. The medical team is currently monitoring her for potential complications, including brain swelling and stroke, and there are concerns about her ability to move one or both sides of her body.
The decision to undergo the separation surgery was not made lightly. The procedure carried significant risks, including death or long-term neurological damage. However, without the operation, the prognosis was grim; studies indicate that 80 percent of twins joined at the head do not survive past age two without surgical intervention.
As Leo and Ava begin their recovery, Sarah expressed a mix of hope and trepidation. “We took a monumental leap of faith, but now it feels like we’re back to square one, taking baby steps again,” she wrote. “I’m still holding on to the joy of yesterday morning’s smiles, and I won’t let go until I see them again.”
This remarkable surgery was the longest and seventh of its kind performed by Dr. Harris, making it a rare occurrence in medical history. The twins will remain intubated for about a week as they recover, and a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with medical expenses. “If there was ever a time we needed prayers, it’s now,” Sarah added.
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In summary, Leo and Ava’s successful separation surgery is a beacon of hope for their family, who now face an uncertain but promising path ahead. The twins’ progress will be closely monitored as they move into the next phase of their recovery.