Limpopo hospital successfully separates conjoined twins
Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo successfully separated conjoined twin boys, a first for the province, with both babies stable in ICU and praised by Premier Ramathuba and President Ramaphosa.
Mankweng Hospital outside Polokwane has successfully separated conjoined twin boys - the first such separation in Limpopo.
The identical twins, born in January this year to a 29-year-old mother, were conjoined at the abdomen.
The operation marked a historic moment for Limpopo, as it was the first time a rural hospital had successfully performed such a complex procedure.
Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo, who led the operation with his team of clinicians, briefed the media on Tuesday.
Successful separation of conjoined twins at Mankweng Hospital
"This is indeed a great day for the province, the country, and also for my team of specialists and nurses that I work with," he said.
"We would like to report that everything went well. By God’s grace, we have successfully done what needed to be done.
"The babies are now separated, they are alive, they are well, and the mother is overwhelmed with joy."
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba confirmed that the babies would now spend some time in the ICU to receive further care.
Twins in stable condition under ICU care
"The babies are currently in stable condition with good hemodynamic status. They have been transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit, where they remain under close medical supervision, intubated and ventilated as part of ongoing post-operative care."
Ramathuba said the government will help the family and build them a house.
"This achievement transforms the landscape of healthcare in our province and reaffirms our confidence in the potential of rural hospitals.
"It is a clear call for us all to invest in our rural facilities, enabling them to provide exceptional care and carry out significant procedures within our communities," Ramathuba added.
President Ramaphosa praises medical team for miracle work
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa also phoned the surgeons to congratulate them during the media briefing.
In the video link, Ramaphosa said the operation reminded him of the first-ever heart transplant that was performed in Cape Town.
"I want to congratulate you all on this incredible, miraculous operation. You undertook a very complicated procedure that would normally be performed only in top-class hospitals.”
Ramaphosa described the clinicians as miracle workers.
"I commend all of you for achieving this success at a rural public hospital in our country. We are very proud and truly overjoyed.
"You are real miracle workers, and we want to sincerely thank you."
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