A conjoined twin has been airlifted to Steve Biko Central and Academic Hospital for continuous care after his brother’s death on Friday. The twins were born on January 28 at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo and were successfully separated in a highly complex operation on March 17, handled by a specialist multidisciplinary team.
The Department of Health confirmed that the infant was transferred to the Pretoria state facility for urgent care following his brother’s death. According to the Department of Health, the clinical team recommended the transfer due to the tragic loss of Twin A.
Causes of Death and Infection Concerns
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba revealed that the death of one of the conjoined twins may have been caused by visitors sneaking in to see the twins, which increased the risk of infection. She explained that infection is the main concern before surgery, which is why visitors are not allowed.
A major concern is infection, especially in the first few weeks after the operation. Many newborns can develop sepsis because their immune systems are weak, even in ICU, and it is not always clear what may have happened.
Support and Care for the Surviving Twin
The provincial government continues to support both the medical teams and the family during this difficult time. The transfer of the surviving twin to Steve Biko Central and Academic Hospital is a precautionary step to ensure the infant receives ongoing treatment.
The following are some key facts about conjoined twins and their care:
- Conjoined twins are rare, occurring in about 1 in every 200,000 births.
- The success of separation surgery depends on various factors, including the type of conjoining and the overall health of the twins.
- After separation, conjoined twins require continuous care and monitoring to prevent complications.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has expressed condolences following the death of one of the conjoined twins separated in the complex procedure at Mankweng Hospital.
