Surgeons at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have marked a significant medical milestone, successfully separating conjoined twins Amari and Javar Ruffin after an intricate eight-hour surgery. The boys, connected at their sternum, diaphragm, abdominal wall, and liver, were born on September 29, 2023, according to a report by FOX29. Identified as omphalopagus twins, their condition meant they were facing each other and joined at the anterior abdominal wall.
The complex procedure, completed on August 21, 2024, involved a team of more than two dozen specialists, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. Following the twins' separation, the medical team used layers of mesh and plastic surgery techniques to close and rebuild their abdomens. "Separating conjoined twins always presents challenges because each set of twins is different,” stated Dr. Holly L. Hedrick, pediatric general and fetal surgeon at CHOP, in a statement obtained by FOX29. She emphasized the extensive preparations that occur prior to surgery to ensure a safe and successful separation.
Amari and Javar's parents, Tim and Shaneka Ruffin, expressed profound gratitude to the hospital and shared their relief and hope for the future. After a month in rehab following the surgery, the twins were finally able to join home life with their family on Tuesday.
Conjoined twinning is a rare phenomenon, with estimations running at one occurrence per every 35,000 to 80,000 births. CHOP's success with the Ruffin twins marks the hospital's 32nd conjoined twin separation since 1957, a figure that stands out among North American institutions. Their experiences, along with the family's journey, remind us of the intersection between human resilience and the astonishing possibilities of modern medicine, as told by their father Timothy in an emotional interview with FOX29, "This was a crazy situation to be honest with you and I just want to let you know you’re amazing for everything." Shaneka's response to her husband echoed the sentiment of shared strength, "Thank you. I want to thank you for being so supportive. Definitely a supportive husband, you’re a great dad." The twins will continue to receive follow-up care at CHOP, as their family looks ahead to making new memories at home.