The medical team looking after Tom and Sawong, conjoined twins born on Oct. 9 in the remote Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea, has issued a heartbreaking recommendation. After much deliberation, they decide that the infants must remain at Port Moresby General Hospital and not have their surgical separation. In a very difficult, heartbreaking decision, doctors have decided that performing surgery to separate the twins would present too great a risk to their lives.
Tom and Sawong are joined at the lower abdomen, a rare condition that doubles their health risks. Tom, the smaller of the twins, soon deals with a number of life-threatening medical hurdles. He has a very rare single kidney congenital heart defect and very underdeveloped lungs. These challenges effectively double the risks of surgery and increase the urgency for surgical intervention or not.
Risks of Surgical Separation
Dr. Paki Molumi, a senior doctor at Port Moresby General Hospital, warned there could be serious risks if they attempt to separate the twins.
“Taking all these factors into account, our team collectively agreed that it is in the best interest of the twins and their family to continue care here at the Port Moresby General Hospital,” – Dr. Paki Molumi
He made it clear that surgery, in all probability, would kill Tom because of how sick he is with his pre-existing conditions. “We remain committed to providing the specialised clinical and supportive care to both infants as well as psychological and social support to the parents and family during this difficult time,” he added.
Conjoined twins only occur in fewer than two per 100,000 births. This combination renders Tom and Sawong’s case especially unique and difficult. This distinctiveness demands the most thoughtful use of every medical tool at our disposal.
Support from the Australian Government
The Australian government now appears to be active in trying to find a solution for Tom and Sawong. One hospital in Freiburg, Germany has proven to be a shining example. It would increase its ability to provide specialist medical care that otherwise may not be available in Papua New Guinea.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s spokesperson noted the ongoing efforts to support the family during this distressing time.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly distressing time,” – Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s spokesperson
The spokesperson highlighted the complexities of the situation, stating, “This is a complex and challenging situation for the family and we have been working with medical partners to support them.” They further assured that they are “working closely with our partners in Papua New Guinea to help ensure the twins receive the best medical care.”
Advocacy for Specialized Care
Jurgen Ruh, the pilot who airlifted Tom and Sawong to Port Moresby for additional care, has gone the palangke sturt. He now fervently lobbies on behalf of the twins’ treatment overseas. “My main concern was the lack of medical facilities available in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“If the twins pass on in a hospital with best neonatal care equipment and manpower, we can say that we tried our best. If the twins pass on in Port Moresby General Hospital, where there is only basic equipment, we did not try our best,” – Pilot Jurgen Ruh
Ruh described Tom’s medical condition, stating, “Little Tom needed neonatal open-heart surgery two weeks ago, which cannot be performed in Port Moresby, but he is still fighting on.” His advocacy underscores the urgent need for specialized medical resources to address the twins’ health challenges.
