They were seperated by CHOP.

After a ten hour surgery that separated the twins conjoined in Philadelphia, Addison Altobelli and Lilianna Altobelli were finally released from hospital.

Affectionately known as Addy and Lily, the twins spent nearly a year in the intensive care unit at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia after they were born conjoined at the abdomen and chest due to a rare condition known as thoraco-omphalopagus.

They shared a liver and diaphragm with the girls.

Maggie and Dom Altobelli assumed that they were having only one child until their 20-week ultrasound revealed the condition. Two fetuses had been attached to the abdomen.

After further evaluation, the couple were referred to CHOP. Doctors determined that the girls would make excellent candidates for separation because both of them had functioning hearts and a large shared liver.

Addison and Lilianna were both born November 18, 2020. They spent 10 months in intensive care at CHOP after their birth as surgeons tried to separate the twins.

On October 13, 2021, the surgical team, which included more than twenty-six specialists, including surgeons, anesthesiologists and radiologists, spent approximately ten hours separating the girls.

Maggie exclaimed after the procedure, "To see them with there own bodies - their bodies just so perfect – it was amazing." It was simply indescribable.

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After two weeks spent at Lurie Children's Hospital, the twins flew back to Chicago. Doctors say that Addy and Lily, although still being assisted with tracheostomy tubes for breathing, will soon be able to breathe on their own.

CHOP has been able to separate 28 conjoined twin pairs since 1957. This is the highest number of hospitals in the country.

Holly L. Hendrick is an attending pediatric and neonatal surgeon in the Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic, and Fetal Surgery at CHOP. She stated that "Separating conjoined Twins is always a challenge because each twin set is unique and presents different challenges and anatomic considerations."

She concluded, "The way our team works together is really amazing and special. With so many people coming together for a common goal, it's truly remarkable." "Addy's and Lily's lives are full of joy, and they are doing well.

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Title: Conjoined Twin Girls Joined At The Chest Successfully Separated by Philadelphia Surgeons
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/01/21/conjoined-twin-girls-joined-at-chest-successfully-separated/
Published Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2022 23:39:23 +0000

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