In a historic medical breakthrough for Chattogram, conjoined twin babies were successfully separated through surgery at Apollo Imperial Hospital. It is marking of the first such procedure carried out in a private hospital in the city.
Born via cesarean section on May 6, the twins, later named Riyaashad Zafar Chowdhury and Renish Zafar Chowdhury. They underwent a delicate separation surgery just 23 hours after birth. The operation was nearly three-hour. It was led by pediatric surgeon Dr. Adnan Walid and involved a team of 18 specialists from various medical departments.
Dr. Walid described the surgery as “Extremely Complex,” noting that the babies were joined at both the chest and abdomen, with a portion of their windpipe also fused. Despite the high risks involved, the medical team proceeded swiftly due to the twins’ low birth weights, determined to give them the best chance at survival.
“We took a significant risk,” Dr. Walid said, adding that this was the fastest recorded separation of conjoined twins in Bangladesh’s medical history.
The twins were born to Suraiya Begum and Riyad Zafar Chowdhury, a couple from Satkania. An ultrasound at 28 weeks had revealed the rare condition, setting off weeks of anxiety and uncertainty for the parents.
“It felt like the sky had fallen on us,” Suraiya shared, holding back tears. “But the doctors’ dedication gave us hope.”
Throughout the pregnancy, doctors closely monitored the babies, which showed signs of unequal blood flow. They were delivered at 34 weeks, weighing 973 grams and 1,045 grams respectively. As of this week, their weights have increased to 1,255 and 1,350 grams, signaling steady recovery.
At a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, hospital officials formally announced the success of the procedure. The seminar room at Apollo Imperial Hospital was filled with emotion and pride as Chairman Wahed Malek addressed the media. “This is a proud moment not just for our hospital, but for all of Chattogram,” he said. “The survival of both babies after such a complex surgery is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Other senior officials were also present at that event. Including Managing Director, Nafid Nabi and CEO, Helal Uddin. The hospital did not disclose the cost of the surgery.
Statistically, conjoined twins occur once in every 200,000 births, and survival after separation is far from guaranteed, especially when vital organs are shared. But doctors are optimistic about the long-term health of Riyaashad and Renish, noting no major complications so far.
As the family prepared to return home, Riyad Zafar Chowdhury reflected on the journey. “When we first heard the news at 28 weeks, we were devastated.”
She also added – However the courage and clarity of the medical team gave them the strength to move forward.
She expressed their emotion by saying that, if they’re going home with both of our babies alive and well, that’s a miracle.
Now days, there are a lot of medical miracles are happening around us. But this one is really special, heart touching and joyful. Hopefully medical science will be more advanced in future for creating a wonderful and stress free society.
