Last Surgery Before Final Separation
- Sarah Palmer
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
A Major Milestone
Today marks a major milestone in the journey of the conjoined twins as they enter the fourth phase of their surgical plan at Boston Children’s Hospital. This is the penultimate surgery with the final separation being planned for November.
The twins were checked into Boston Children's on July 4th for a series of pre-operative assessments, including a respiratory evaluation and a sleep study. These were essential for the medical team to safely map out the surgical plan.
Early this morning, the twins were brought into the operating room to begin what will be a two-day surgery. They had big smiles on their faces as their mother Fatou kissed them for luck.
The Procedure
Today’s procedure is part one of a two-day operation. The focus is on the final vascular separation of their shared cranial blood vessels—a highly intricate and delicate step that requires immense precision. This stage is a vital prerequisite for their full separation and cranial reconstruction.
In addition to the vascular separation, the team will also place tissue expanders under the scalp. These expanders will gradually stretch the skin and allow hair to grow in those areas, creating the necessary tissue to cover the tops of their heads following full separation.
The surgical team is intentionally taking a two-day approach to give the girls the best chance at a safe, successful outcome. They started with intubation, IV placement, MRI imaging, PICC line insertion, and arterial mapping—each step building the foundation for what follows.
Fatou and Alex met with the surgical team yesterday to review the procedure in detail and complete the consent forms. Fatou continues to carry herself with unwavering strength and fortitude.
Walk with Us
Please keep these two little warriors—and the incredible team of surgeons, nurses, and specialists supporting them—in your thoughts and prayers. We are walking a path filled with complexity and risk, but it's also bright with possibility and hope for the future! Join Us!