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Doctors at the University of Michigan have separated two one-year-old Siamese twin sisters.
Sarabeth and Amelia Irwin of Petersburg, Michigan each had their own arms, legs and heart, but their livers were connected, CS Mott Children’s Hospital said Friday.
Joe Hallisy / AP
Siamese twins Sarabeth and Amelia Irwin, one year old.
The nearly 11-hour surgery to separate them took place in August, roughly 14 months after they were born. They are home now.
“For everyone in the room, it was a very emotional and extraordinary moment when the last incision was made to separate these girls one by two,” said Dr. George Mychaliska, who led Mott’s surgical team.
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“I am the father of twins and I know that twins are very close,” Mychaliska said. “Sarabeth and Amelia will always share a truly unique bond, and I think the future is bright for both of them.”
Joe Hallisy / AP
Pediatric cardiac surgeon Dr. Richard Ohye talks to Alyson and Phil Irwin, the parents of 1-year-old Siamese twins Sarabeth and Amelia Irwin.
The parents, Alyson and Phil Irwin, learned about the conjoined twins during a pregnancy ultrasound in 2019, four months before the cesarean delivery. The Irwins knew the girls might not survive long enough for the surgery, but they did.
“I remember they briefly put the girls on my chest. It was so sweet and special to be able to hold them and see them for the first time, ”Alyson told the Detroit Free Press.
Joe Hallisy / AP
It took two dozen doctors, nurses and specialists to separate the twins.
Surgery had been planned for February, but the girls developed pneumonia and then the coronavirus pandemic followed.
The parents had to stay out of the hospital in their car during the surgery. Sarabeth got home in late August, followed by Amelia on September 5. They have an older sister, Kennedy.
“This has been a giant experiment in the power of the positive and the power of prayer,” Phil said. “You know, positive news, people need it. People live off of it. “
