The bodies of the twins are fused from the upper chest to the abdomen. Thoraco-omphalopagus is the most common type of conjoined twins.

Sjarif Hidajat Effendi, head of the conjoined twins handling team at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, said the babies were born to Wasmini, 32, via a caesarean section on July 4. “They weighed 4.6 kilograms when they were born. They have grown well, now weighing 6.2 kg,” said Sjarif on Wednesday.

The twins -- Chandra Supriyatna and Canda Supriyadi -- are currently undergoing medical treatment at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

Hasan Sadikin Hospital medical and nursing director Nucki Nursjamsi Hidayat said the twins had undergone intensive treatment because they needed respiratory support. “We hope a surgical separation can be carried out when they are one year old.”

Sjarif explained the babies needed ventilator support because their heads must stay looking up. “With bent heads, their heart and breathing might stop.”

Sjarif said the medical team had tried to prop up their heads but it did not work, so they could not yet drink. The nutritional intake needed to support their growth was all provided via transfusion.

Thoraco-omphalopagus conjoined twins usually share a heart, liver or digestive system.

Sjarif said the physician team was examining the condition of the babies' lungs and heart. “We cannot yet confirm whether or not they share blood vessels. What we are sure of is that they have a separate digestive system.” (ebf)

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