Twins born conjoined celebrate their 1st birthday after separation surgery
Twin brothers who were born conjoined recently celebrated their first birthday after undergoing successful separation surgery.
Amari and Javar Ruffin, whose family lives in Philadelphia, were born via Cesarean section on September 29, 2023.
The brothers – who shared part of their sternum, diaphragm, abdominal wall and liver – weighed a combined 6 pounds (2.72kg).
READ MORE: 'Really weird' ingredient Jamie Oliver uses in 'favourite' dish
Amari and Javar Ruffin, at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, March 20, 2024. AP
READ MORE: Every deal worth knowing about in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale
On August 21, a surgical team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with more than two dozen specialists, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses and many others, operated for eight hours to separate the boys.
Their abdomens were closed and rebuilt using layers of mesh and plastic surgery techniques.
The boys went home on October 8 to be with their parents, Tim and Shaneka, and their siblings, Kaylum and Anora.
READ MORE: Miranda Kerr reveals 'frustrating' private health battle
The boys are finally at home after spending most of their lives in hospital. AP
READ MORE: Fergie 'pulls a pint' on set of popular television soap
“Seeing them each in their own beds was an indescribable feeling,” Shaneka Ruffin said. “It feels like we are beginning a new journey as a family of six.
"We are so grateful to CHOP for helping make this day possible and letting us start this next chapter.”
The Ruffins learned the twins were conjoined through a routine ultrasound 12 weeks into the pregnancy.
Shaneka Ruffin said it was recommended to her that she terminate her pregnancy.
The Ruffins learned the twins were conjoined through a routine ultrasound 12 weeks into the pregnancy. AP
READ MORE: Melinda French Gates' $372m move after split from Bill Gates
They got a second opinion, and the hospital told them that though the boys had a rare condition, they could be separated successfully.
Conjoined twins occur roughly once in every 35,000-80,000 births. The hospital is one of only a few in the US with expertise in separating them.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all of the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
