Two Precious: Conjoined Twin Boys Successfully Separated in Groundbreaking Operation

Medics in China worked tirelessly to separate five-month-old twins Yu Ce Yuan and Yu Ce Xiang - known as James and Harley - who were joined at the abdomen.



The surgery, on February 24, was made possible by the generosity of strangers around the world who donated $60,000 to cover the cost of the operation.



The twins’ 20-year-old parents Yu Dang and Zhou Li travelled over 1,000 miles from their home in the rural, mountainous Guizhou province to Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai for treatment. 



Surgeons used 3D models to develop a plan for surgery, but the operation took three hours longer than expected and was one of the most difficult surgeries ever undertaken at the hospital.



The twins shared a liver and pelvic bone and a team of doctors spent three hours separating the pelvis before moving on to the intestines.

A urology team then worked to place the babies’ bladders back inside their bodies before orthopaedic surgeons took over to reconstruct there pelvic cavities.



Finally the surgeons fitted colostomies and closed all incisions before the boys were taken to intensive care.

The hospital paediatrics vice president, surgeon Dr Cheng Shan, said that the innovative 3D printing technology "can now benefit all babies".



Last week (Wednesday 2nd) the boys were removed from their ventilators and doctors are thrilled with their progress.

The couple, from one of the poorest areas of China, had been unable to afford scans before the birth of the twins and the delivery came as a shock to the family and doctors.

In parts of China there is a high abandonment rate of children with birth defects, but Yu Dang and Zhou Li refused to give up on their babies.



The new parents borrowed money to cover the twins’ initial medical expenses but were discharged after being unable to pay the $60,000 operation fee. 



They reached out to Love Without Boundaries, a charity for orphaned and impoverished children, and after only a month of fundraising sufficient money had been raised.

Mum, Zhou Li, said: “In the beginning there was nothing abnormal. It was only when I had the baby that I realised they were conjoined twins.

“It was very painful and difficult. I felt like I was soon to die, like I couldn’t breathe and there was a lot of blood.

“I never considered giving them up. I gave birth to these children, they’re my flesh and I wouldn’t give them to anyone else.”

Dad, Yu Dang, spoke of his fears that he would have to choose between his babies’ lives, and spoke of his hopes for their future.

He said: “At the beginning we thought the surgical fee was too expensive, then we were scared we’d have to choose between one and the other.

“Our hopes are that after the successful surgery their living conditions will be improved.

“We are thankful towards each kind-hearted person’s help. We are very grateful for their support.”

Zhou Li added: “In the future I hope they can be doctors, because if there hadn’t been doctors, they wouldn’t have the life they have now.

“I hope they can become doctors and look after sick people.”

Surgeon, Dr Zheng Shan, said: “It’s not commonly seen, within 30,000 children, only one birth will be conjoined twins. Our hospital is the best in China, we have been assigned nine cases of conjoined twins.

“The surgery is important for two people’s lives and their quality of life, urination, defecation and the bodily functions they will use in the future.

“Their makeup is extremely complicated, they only have one anus, four urethra and four bladders - their structure is incredibly complicated.

“Regarding protecting their lives, I’m positive. But to ensure two lives are intact, in terms of quality of life, normal functions like giving birth - I think that’s more difficult.

“The surgical procedures will be long, perhaps the children will have to go two or three surgeries."

Chief Executive Officer of Love Without Boundaries, Amy Eldridge, said: “It has been truly humbling to see the outpouring of support from around the world for this young rural couple and their twin boys.

"As soon as we heard their story we pledged to help, but it only became possible because complete strangers gave from their hearts. That’s love in action at its finest.”

The twins will be required to have further urological surgery in the next six to 12 months, but doctors are optimistic for their future.

To make a donation to James and Harley’s medical care, please visit www.lovewithoutboundaries.com