The first year for Addison and Lilianna Altobelli was extremely difficult, but after a dangerous and necessary operation they are ready to start their lives. The twin girls were born together in the womb and spent ten months in the neonatal ICU, until their separation operation.
Their unprecedented story begins when their mother, Maggie Altobelli, discovered in the 20th week of her pregnancy, on an ultrasound, that not only were they expecting twins but they were also Siamese. Fortunately, the parents soon learned that although the little girls were united in the womb, sharing a diaphragm and a liver, they had separate hearts. In addition, "the liver was large enough to divide between them," according to the Philadelphia Children, where the separation operation was to be performed.
The parents soon learned that although the little girls were united in the womb, sharing a diaphragm and a liver, they had separate hearts.
Nevertheless, it was not going to be a simple operation, of course. After the birth of the girls by caesarean section, their preparation for the surgery began. They were to spend the next ten months in the ICU, while doctors were creating three-dimensional models of their livers to see how the separation could be done safely. At the same time, they did tests to make sure that there was enough skin to cover the girls's breasts and abdomen after separation.
But the twins were also in danger while waiting. If, for example, one little girl was disturbed and had her breathing cut off, the other's breathing was also affected.
Doctors created three-dimensional models of their liver to look at how separation could be done safely. At the same time, they did tests to make sure there was enough skin to cover the breast.
In a touching letter she wrote to her daughters, their mother said: "All the time I spend with your father in the place where you were born, we experience something unique: being the parents of two little miracles. "It is indescribable that you will soon be two separate girls."
On October 13, as the team of doctors prepares for this dangerous operation, I know it is my honor to be chosen to be your mother. You are both really admirable, you have changed my life ".
Fortunately, everything went well in the operation. About a month later the family returned home, for the first time with the girls, in time to celebrate Christmas. The 14-month-old twins still need support with feeding tubes and respirators, but doctors hope they will not need them in the future.
The girls may no longer be physically united, but they have a unique bond: “They sit and look at each other and smile and play. Whenever they are close, they try to touch each other's hands and face and tubes. They will live a long, healthy life. "It's unbelievable and wonderful."
Watch a video with their story: