Two conjoined twins have been successfully separated in a difficult operation recently.

Rosie and Ruby Formosa, now 12 weeks old, were joined at the abdomen when born, as well as sharing part of the intestine. They were operated on the day after they were born on 27 July, at the famous Great Ormond Street Hospital, due to the requirement of an emergency operation to separate them. Their delighted mother, Angela from Bexleyheath in south-east London, shared her happy emotions with reporters, as well as commenting that her smiling babies were doing well.

The parents had said that finding out about the twins being joined had been a massive heart-wrenching shock after her first daughter, Lily, aged 5, had gone through a perfectly normal birth. During an early scan, it had been revealed to them that the twins looked closer together then they should have been, and therefore they went to King’s College for another scan. They found out that they were joined roughly between 16 and 20 weeks.

At the time the doctors had no idea where they were connected, and therefore decided to deliver the babies early at 34 weeks. Unlike what was expected, they actually weighed in at 2.5kg each, much more then was thought they would. The operation had to be performed as an emergency due to a very serious intestinal blockage, according to the surgeon who led the operation. However, the surgeon also added that the babies will still need more treatment in the future, though they are expected to both be able to go on and live normal lives.

This truly is a sad story, however it is wonderful to see that the babies pulled through the operation. If you would like to share your views on this topic, please click “Read More & Comment”.

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