The conjoined twins, Tom and Sawong went through an emergency surgery recently at Sydney Children’s Hospital, in Sydney Australia which resulted in survival of one twin.
Following the Medical Evacuation of the twins from Port Moresby to Sydney last week. Tom and Sawong went through a separation surgery. Unfortunately, Tom did not survive the surgery.
Spokesperson of the twins’ family, Captain Jürgan Ruh, has confirmed that baby Sawong is recovering from the surgery.
Ruh said, “Sawong is doing fine, he will remain in induced coma for many days, perhaps weeks. His stitches need to heal before waking up. Apart from that, he will be back in Morobe soon”.
He explained that, after subsequent investigation, doctors in Sydney had advised them early that Tom was unlikely to survive.
He shared, that receiving the final confirmation of Tom’s passing and being allowed to hold him after the surgery was a devastating moment for both his parents.
Despite the loss, doctors said it was remarkable and miraculous that both Tom and Sawong lived as long as they could until they arrived at the place that has specialists capable of performing the separation surgery.
“During the past days, we had a lot of emotions in all directions, sadness to know that Tom would go, but happiness to know that Sawong will have a chance to live.
“The parents and us wanted to try something that can’t be done in PNG.” Ruh said.
The twin’s parents and the team working together said their wish was to try something that could not be done in Papua New Guinea, believing that without any attempt they may have lost both boys.
Throughout the journey, spiritual support came from Reverend Mark Schultz of the Lutheran Bishops.
According to Captain Ruh, a funeral service for baby Tom is expected to be held next Monday and will be streamed online.
In a press conference today, Prime Minister James Marape shared his condolences to the twins’ family.
He said, once Tom is fully recovered from the surgery, they will bring them back to Papua New Guinea.
More updates on Sawong’s recovery will be provided.
