It seems unreal, but some people really born stuck together. Conjoined twins are two babies physically attached to each other at birth. Is it possible to surgically separate them, and let them live normal lives? The latest science has new answers!
Meet Tiny Abigail and Micaela
In a shocking medical breakthrough, nine-month-old girls born conjoined at the head had a successful surgery. The separation took place at UC Davis Children's Hospital, an operation that took 24 hours to complete!
Abigail and Micaela Bachinskiy now have hope to live independent lives, unlike similar cases even a few decades ago. With nerves and veins tangles between their heads, it was no simple task to divide them. What was the journey to this moment, and how did their family cope?
Next, see the medical journey of these incredible babies, parents, and doctors!
Five and Growing
Liliya Miroshnik and Anatoliy Bachinskiy were already the passionate parents of three energetic boys. Then, they got pregnancy news! Yet again, the clan was going to expand.
A traditional and religious couple, they both worked while keeping the faith and a positive attitude. Little did they know that soon, that very faith would be seriously tested!
Terrifying News
Doctors told them they would be having twins! But Liliya and Anatoliy learned something else, just 11 weeks in — and it wasn't good news, to say the least.
The little fetuses already had a rare condition, called craniopagus. In short, that guaranteed they would be connected at the head!
Double Trouble
According to the Mayo Clinic, that usually means the babies would be born with separate brains, but with skull and tissue fused together. Scary stuff!
And indeed, they were born just this way. Doctors were afraid they would have other complications, too: Heart and lung issues, cerebral palsy, or scoliosis!
Medical Warnings
In regards to the condition, the Mayo Clinic explains: "Although two fetuses will develop from this embryo, they will remain physically connected — most often at the chest, abdomen or pelvis."
The docs feared they could never be separated. Was this unfounded, in the case of Abigail and Micaela?
Risky Results
The truth is, the survival rate of conjoined twins is not very high after surgery. Figures range from 5% to 25%, and sometimes only one twin survives!
Indeed, around 75% of surgeries result in one death. Every year, around 200 families welcome conjoined twins at the hospital, and face the news!
Choosing the Very Best
Liliya and Anatoliy knew that they wanted to try and give their daughters a normal life. They decided to trust UC Davis Children's Hospital, the most experienced institution in their area.
With more than 120 different doctors, it would be possible to assemble a diverse team for complicated surgery. Assemble, they did!
Physicians Weigh In
According to Pediatric Neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Edwards: “It’s a very, very rare anomaly...There are very few children born in any one year worldwide that have this anomaly."
The doc knew that very few of these babies had a chance to survive separation. It really depended on the X-ray!
Winning the Lotto
According to the hospital: "Conjoined twins are already extremely rare, but craniopagus twins are even more so...Only two percent of conjoined twins are born fused at the head."
As it so happened, Liliya and Anatoliy were lucky. Their daughters did have just the right anatomy to qualify for surgery!
Preparing for the Best
By now, their three boys had grown quite close with their new sisters. It was difficult, but the family began to emotionally prep for the big surgery.
At nine months old, doctors at UC Davis gave the official okay to schedule the operation. It was stressful for all involved, no doubt!
Tangled and Tricky
According to one UC Davis surgeon: “As they get older, there are more risks of shared blood vessels and organs becoming larger or more entwined."
The flu and COVID-19 were also concerns, for the near future. There was a real reason to make a move! It was time for a very big day, ASAP.
The Dream Team
Scary as it was, mom and dad brought the tiny twin sisters to the ward. Conjoined at the head for the last time, surgeons went to work.
A team of over 30 surgery experts were involved in the historic operation, led by pediatric neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, and plenty of top nurses.
Crossing Their Fingers
Everyone at the hospital welcomed the babies with open arms, of course. But it was a scary day, as much as a hopeful one.
To the surprise of some, there were no problems during the procedure. One surgeon on the team explained: "It was like a choreographed ballet." How did they do it?
Holy, High Tech
Using MRIs and CT scans to monitor progress, the team kept a watchful eye. Doctors put tissue expanders on their heads to encourage skin growth after the operation. Smart move, there!
Of course, before anything was tried, they practiced on 3D baby models. Maybe that's why they had such precision, in the end!
Sweet, Sweet Success
Mommy Miroshnik was overjoyed to hear that the risky operation had gone so well. She immediately took to Instagram to update the world on the miracle.
She posted videos and photos of each of her independent daughters, and people loved it. By now, Abigail and Micaela had quite a fanbase, online!
Road to Recovery
A week later, the twins were still recovering in the hospital. No surprise there, really! Major surgery is no quick fix.
Liliya addressed the media: "The girls are doing great...The doctors are really happy with how they are recovering. They are just responding. They are screaming for mamma and daddy. They really recognize our faces. It’s just awesome.”
Hospital Heaven
Mom was also quite happy with her experience at UC Davis. She shared: “We have felt so much support from staff. We have received so much help, so much advice. It has made us feel at home here."
Medically, that was quite the endorsement! What did the staff think about the experience?
Everyone Cried
A nurse shared: “After 10 months of preparation...we were overcome with emotion and joy...I will never see 3:28 on a clock again and not think of the moment that Abi and Mica became two separate babies.”
And how are mom and dad doing, now that the first big step is finished?
Back to Suburbia
Now living life with two baby girls in two different bodies, Liliya Miroshnik and Anatoliy Bachinskiy are adapting just fine.
According to mom: “It’s so exciting. It’s so different but we are getting used to it...I feel that God is alive. He keeps working in our lives." Friends agree!
All's Well that Ends Well
And what about dad? Anatoliy shared: “I’m still getting used to it...It’s not easy honestly, but we are really happy. This has been a long time coming, so we are really happy.”
What about cases in the past, though? The truth is, results have varied — for better and for worse!
Erin And Abby Delaney
Before Abigail and Micaela, there were other attempts to separate craniopagus conjoined twins. Erin and Abby Delaney are one example of a success, but only after a series of surgeries. Why so many?
The facts were complicated: They shared a major vein. Now, they are continuing reconstructive procedures as toddlers in North Carolina!
Abby And Brittany Hensel
Some conjoined twins are famous, as adults. Abby and Brittany Hensel have their own separate heads. They also have their own organs. But they are joined by the ribcage!
When they were born, they also had an extra middle arm. It didn't work, and it was removed! Today, they live as one and coordinate walking.
Laleh And Ladan Bijani
In the early 2000’s, the world heard about a case in Iran. Laleh and Ladan Bijani were attached at the head, and they volunteered for a groundbreaking surgery.
Unfortunately, the outcome of the operation was grim. Neither survived, by they did bring a lot of media focus to a condition known to very few before!
Donnie And Ronnie Galyon
The truth is, the conjoined don’t have long lives. Most of the time, that is! Donnie and Ronnie Galyon were unique, in that respect.
Attached at the sternum and groin, they lived into their late sixties before passing. Fulfilling their life dream, they are listed as the world record holders, to this day!
Lori And Dori Schappell
Lori and Dori never wanted to risk surgery and live together to this day. In the '90s, they gained a bit of fame on Jerry Springer!
Now claiming to be trans, Dori likes to go by George. Believe it or not, this story recently got even more complicated. A new chapter, for the Schappells!