Surgical first for Zimbabwe

10 July 2014 - 02:01 By Nhlalo Ndaba
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File photo.
File photo.
Image: AFP Relaxnews ©Steve Cukrov/shutterstock.com

Zimbabwean surgeons have successfully performed a complex operation, without foreign assistance, to separate conjoined twins.

Twins Kupakwashe and Tapiwanashe, born two months ago, were joined at their abdomens and shared a liver.

Dr Bothwell Mbuvayesango, who headed up the 50-strong team that conducted the surgery at Harare Children's Hospital on Tuesday, said the operation was an all-Zimbabwe affair.

''I would like to thank everyone involved, from specialists to cleaners, and I want to tell the nation that this work was done by Zimbabweans and that no individual can claim success as this was teamwork," he said.

He said the twins were in a stable condition.

''The operation was successful and the kids are now in the ICU. They look happy and their breathing is fine and they look strong," he said.

Zimbabwe has been experiencing an ongoing exodus of trained medical professionals for more than a decade.

Doctors earn an average of R8000 a month.

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