The Sabah Health Department said the landmark surgery demonstrates the state's growing capability to manage high-risk and highly complex medical cases that would previously have required referral to hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia.
The operation was successfully performed on July 2 at HWKKS' main operating theatre by a multidisciplinary team, with support from specialists from Peninsular Malaysia.
The premature twins, who were delivered at 32 weeks' gestation, were joined at the lower back, involving the sacrum, neural tube, lower digestive tract and external genitalia.
The Sabah Health Department said one of the babies was diagnosed with heart disease and kidney failure, making it necessary to perform the separation surgery when the twins were just 28 days old, much earlier than the usual four to six months.
The procedure involved specialists in neonatology, anaesthesiology, paediatric surgery, spinal neurosurgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiology, as well as nurses and other clinical support staff.
Both babies were successfully separated and are in stable condition. They are currently receiving intensive care and close monitoring in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The Sabah Health Department said the achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of HWKKS staff to providing the best possible care for children with complex congenital anomalies.
It added that expanding specialist services in Sabah will enable children requiring advanced treatment to receive timely care without having to be referred outside the state.
"This not only improves access to specialised treatment but also reduces the emotional, financial and logistical burden on patients' families," it said. - NST
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