A monumental 24-hour surgery successfully separated Abigail and Micaela Bachinskiy, conjoined twins at 9 months old, joined at the head. The complex and rare procedure demonstrated the exceptional skills of the medical team and, according to the parents, showcased the guiding hand of God.
During the 11th week of Liliya Miroshnik’s pregnancy, she learned that her daughters, Abigail and Micaela, were craniopagus twins, an extremely rare condition where their heads were fused. Dr. Michael Edwards, the lead pediatric neurosurgeon at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, emphasized the rarity of such cases and the fortuitous anatomy that allowed for a separation attempt.
Initially overwhelmed, Liliya and her husband, Anatoliy Bachinskiy, prepared for the unique challenge of raising conjoined twins. However, the only viable option was to trust in the Lord’s guidance.
The medical team at UC Davis Children’s Hospital dedicated significant time to prepare for the twins’ arrival, conducting simulations to anticipate potential complications during birth. At 9 months, the team decided to perform the separation surgery.
The historic 24-hour surgery involved a large team of 30 surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other surgical staff. The conjoined twins, joined at the head, were successfully separated at 3:28 a.m. on a Sunday morning.
The twins spent several weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before returning home. As they grew, the medical team knew that a head separation would be necessary.
At 9 months, the medical team, after months of meticulous planning, successfully operated on the conjoined twins. Dr. Grainger Wong, the lead plastic surgeon, described the surgery as a flawless, choreographed dance.
The results were miraculous, and the parents, Liliya and Anatoliy, expressed their gratitude and relief. The success of the surgery marked a historic moment for UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
The parents, acknowledging the role of faith, expressed their eternal gratitude, emphasizing that everything is in God’s hands. With the surgery behind them, they are focusing on the twins’ recovery and entrusting their future to the Lord.
The story of Abigail and Micaela Bachinskiy serves as a beautiful reminder to trust in God in all things and highlights the collaborative efforts of medical professionals coming together for an incredible achievement.
