KARACHI, Dec 2: Another case of Siamese twins has been registered at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH).

Doctors are reluctant to conduct a surgery immediately to separate the twin sisters who share common chest. “The case can become further complicated because the twins are under-weight,” they opined expressing doubts over their survival if operated upon at this stage.

Dr Afaq, Deputy Director of the NICH, said that their chest bone (sternum) was missing and pericardium fused. However, he added, both the children have their independent liver, heart and other vital organs.

He was of the view that the Siamese twins can be separated successfully at a later stage for which services of a combined team of neo-neotologist and surgeons would be required.

He pointed out that the NICH had made elaborate arrangements to take extra care of the Siamese in order to ensure their sound health till they could respond positively to the surgery. He said that a constant watch would also be ensured to keep their haemodynamics (blood pressure and heartbeat rate) normal.

He said the 18-day-old Siamese twins were gaining weight and they were not on any life-support system. “NICH is waiting for an appropriate time to separate them,” he added.—PPI