THE hospital passage filled with family members waiting with bated breath. Hugging, holding hands, and praying, the small gathering of people were all desperately hoping for one thing: news that two little boys had survived.
As doctors rolled out heavily sedated brothers Arthur and Bernardo Lima, tears of joy streamed down the faces of their parents, Adriely and Antonio Lima.
“I can’t believe my children are separated!” Adriely shouted to those who’d been so solemn just moments before.
The relief was understandable. Their three-year-old sons went into the operating theatre as conjoined twins and emerged more than a day later, safely separated thanks to groundbreaking surgery in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Arthur and Bernardo’s case was highly complex as they were born craniopagus. This means the brothers were connected to each other with fused skulls and intertwined brains that shared vital veins.
Adding to the complexity is that one of the boys faced upwards, while the other faced downwards – their separation was believed to be impossible.
But as these two boys showed, the impossible didn’t apply to them. Medical teams on two continents pushed the boundaries of medical innovation and research even further by preparing and doing the surgery in virtual reality – the first time such technology had been used for this purpose in Brazil.
“As a parent myself, it’s always such a special privilege to be able to improve the outcome for these children and their families,” says Dr. Noor ul Owase Jeelani, a surgeon at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, who directed the procedure.
This story is from the 18 August 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 18 August 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation
ROYALS AT WORK
Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.
5 MINUTE FIXES
Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea
THE JOY OF SELENA
After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast