Conjoined Twins Separated At CHOP Go Home For Thanksgiving

PHILADELPHIA – Back in June, surgeons at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia separated twins Erin and Abby Delaney who were conjoined at the head, marking the first ever instance of such a procedure at CHOP. Now, after spending more than a year in the facility, the twins are going home for the holidays with their parents Heather and Riley Delaney.

CHOP announced the twins who were conjoined at the head were discharged Monday, Nov. 20.

On June 6, a multidisciplinary team of approximately 30 members participated in the separation procedure, according to CHOP.

Following the surgery, the twins remained in the hospital for 485 days, CHOP said.

"The girls are inspiring," Heather Delaney said. "As their parents, it is very neat for Riley and me to have a front-row seat to this and watch them overcome these incredible obstacles. We cannot wait to see what their future holds!"

Even after their long term care in CHOP, the twins will need more surgeries as they mature. Their CHOP team, who has been caring for them since birth, will continue to monitor them as they grow up.

"The team is optimistic about their progress so far and about their long-term potential," CHOP said.

Erin and Abby had craniopagus, which is the the technical term for being joined at the head.

Their surgery, which lasted about 11 hours, was the first time CHOP separated twins conjoined at the head.

"Separating conjoined twins is a very complex surgery followed by a long and complicated recovery, but we are very hopeful for a positive outcome," plastic surgeon Jesse Taylor, MD, said in June. "Erin and Abby are now recovering in our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit under close monitoring by our expert teams.

The twins were born 10-weeks early on July 24 via c-section at CHOP and received care at CHOP's Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit for about seven months before being moved to another unit at CHOP while they awaited the separation surgery.

"The team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has become like family," Heather saud. "Riley and I are so grateful for the care our girls have received here and so excited to take them home — just in time for the holidays."

Watch a video on Erin ans Abby's story below:

Image via Children's Hospital of Philadelphia