Muhimbili National Hospital separates rare parasitic conjoined twins

Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam has successfully performed its first surgery to separate parasitic conjoined twins. The complex procedure involved separating an underdeveloped twin that lacked vital organs, such as a properly developed heart, chest, and head, and was entirely dependent on the healthy twin for blood supply and survival.

Dr. Victor Ngotta, a paediatric surgeon at MNH, noted that the operation was particularly challenging because the medical team had to separate the shared blood system while protecting the healthy baby’s vital organs and blood vessels. Additionally, the healthy baby was born with an omphalocele, a defect where abdominal organs protrude through an opening near the umbilical cord.

The multidisciplinary team included paediatric surgeons, anesthetists, and plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Following the successful three-hour operation, doctors expect the healthy baby to grow and live a normal life. The infant remains under close medical monitoring as recovery progresses.