Surviving conjoined twin has been rushed to a top Gauteng hospital after his brother died from infection.
Twin B has been transferred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital for specialised care following the tragic death of his brother.
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This follows an incident in which one of the conjoined twins who were recently separated in a groundbreaking operation in Limpopo, died due to sepsis.
Twin A died on Thursday night, 2 April, at Mankweng Hospital.
The identical twin boys, born on 28 January, were successfully separated during a complex and life-changing procedure at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital on Tuesday, 17 March.
Twin B was airlifted on Saturday, 4 April.
Limpopo Premier spokesman Tilivhali Muavha confirmed that the transfer followed a multidisciplinary clinical team meeting.
“Following the tragic loss of Twin A, the clinical team, in consultation with Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba and Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi, recommended that the remaining Twin B be transferred to Steve Biko Central and Academic Hospital for continuous care,” said Muavha.
The twins were joined at the chest and abdomen, making the separation procedure highly delicate.
In a historic first for Limpopo, the marathon surgery led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo began at 7.45am and concluded at 3.10pm, marking the province’s first successful separation of its kind.
However, the joy was short-lived.
On Friday, 3 April, Premier Ramathuba confirmed that Twin A had died after developing complications.
“It’s supposed to be a Good Friday, but it’s not. We were hoping to see them grow,” she said.
She explained that the babies had been under close monitoring when signs of infection common in newborns were detected five days after the operation.
Doctors acted swiftly, taking Twin A back to theatre in an effort to identify and treat the source of the infection.
“The baby tried to recover, and we thought we were out of danger,” she said.
Despite the loss, Ramathuba praised the medical team for their efforts.
“The operation was a success. Unfortunately, the infection took over. We are still proud of the team,” she added.
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She confirmed that the family has been informed and called on the public to keep the surviving twin in their prayers.
“We call for prayers for Twin B. We have also engaged the mother and explained everything to her.”
