How old are the formerly conjoined twins and how do they get around?
Clarence and Carl Aguirre (born April 21, 2002) are former conjoined twins born in Silay City, Philippines. They were conjoined at the top of the head (vertical craniopagus). In 2003 they were brought to the United States by their mother Arlene in the hopes of having them surgically separated. A revolutionary new process was used in separating the twin boys. Because “marathon” surgical operations have historically led to a high rate of mortality and morbidity, Clarence and Carl’s doctors chose to separate them in several smaller operations, allowing the twins to recuperate after each surgery. In October 2003, tissue expanders (pouches filled with saline) were implanted under the boys’ scalps. This is common practice in separating conjoined twins, as it creates more skin that can be used to cover the twins’ wounds after separation. Over the next ten months, the brothers underwent several more surgeries to tease apart their joined skulls and brains. On August 4, 2004, the final surgery w
The twin girls who were born joined at the chest have been released from the hospital. Children’s Hospital spokesman Allen Poston says Kylee and Preslee Wells were released Monday and taken to The Children’s Center in Bethany for rehabilitation. Poston says the goal is for the girls to catch up on their development in areas of physical movement, such as rolling over. The girls were born Oct. 25 and are believed to be the first known American Indian conjoined twins. They were separated Jan. 19 during a 6-hour surgery. Sources: http://oudaily.
