A conjoined twin who underwent a complex separation surgery in Limpopo last month has died following complications linked to infection, despite initial signs of recovery.
Image: File
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has confirmed that one of the conjoined twin boys who underwent a “historic” separation surgery in March at a rural hospital in the province has died from organ failure.
Ramathuba made the announcement during a media briefing on Friday at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo.
Two weeks ago, IOL News reported that the twins had been successfully separated.
They were born on January 28, with initial assessments indicating they were joined at the abdomen.
The complex surgery, led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo, began at about 7:45am and concluded shortly after 3pm, lasting approximately eight hours.
Ramathuba said she received a call early on Good Friday informing her of the situation.
“One of our twins was experiencing multiple organ failure,” she said.
“A follow-up call later confirmed that, despite the team’s best efforts, the baby had sadly passed away.”
She described the day as deeply painful.
“It is supposed to be a Good Friday, but it is not a good one for us. We had hoped to see these babies grow and succeed in life.”
Ramathuba said the medical team had been closely monitoring both infants and providing regular updates. On the fifth day after surgery, concerns emerged about possible infection.
“In neonatology units, sepsis is a common and serious complication,” she said. “Many newborns succumb to infections, particularly in the critical first two weeks after surgery.”
She explained that post-operative infections can lead to septicaemia, organ failure and death.
The affected twin was taken back to theatre more than once as doctors attempted to identify and address the cause.
“The baby showed signs of recovery, and after two and a half weeks we believed the danger had passed,” she said.
“However, in the past two days, the condition worsened significantly.”
Despite the loss, Ramathuba praised the medical team’s efforts.
“The surgery itself was a success. The babies were separated successfully, which is a remarkable achievement. Unfortunately, infection set in.”
She confirmed that the surviving twin is recovering well.
“Twin B has been extubated, is breathing independently and is active. We ask the public to continue praying for him.”
Ramathuba also said officials had met with the mother to support her during the difficult time and urged the public to respect the family’s privacy.
Professor Tshifularo thanked stakeholders and the public for their support.
“We prepared well and performed the separation successfully,” he said. “The challenge came during the recovery phase, which is always critical.”
He said complications began around day five post-surgery when severe infection developed.
“We returned to the theatre to investigate and found no surgical issues. We continued fighting the infection. We succeeded with one baby, but unfortunately not the other.”
Tshifularo emphasised that infection remains a major risk, particularly for vulnerable newborns.
“We fought hard for both babies. Sadly, one did not survive.”
He extended condolences to the family and called for continued public support.
The twins were born to a 29-year-old woman and were referred from Maphutha Malatjie Hospital in Namakgale, where the condition was identified during labour, prompting an urgent transfer.
Ramathuba previously said the provincial government planned to build a home for the family before the surviving child is discharged.
IOL News