The Separation of Conjoined Twins Lily and Addy Altobelli
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- Опубликовано: 20 янв 2022
- An inspiring story of conjoined twins. Support our work: www.chop.edu/addy-and-lily
Conjoined twins Addison (Addy) and Lilianna (Lily) Altobelli were successfully separated by surgeons at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on October 13, 2021. The girls were born connected at the abdomen and chest, a condition known as thoraco-omphalopagus twins, meaning they shared a liver, diaphragm, chest and abdominal wall.
Addy and Lily’s journey began when they were diagnosed prenatally at their 20-week ultrasound. Before that appointment, parents Maggie and Dom Altobelli had assumed they were having one baby, but the ultrasound image showed that not only was Maggie carrying two fetuses but they were also attached at the abdomen.
Conjoined twins are rare, occurring in only about 1 in 50,000 births. The couple was referred to CHOP for further evaluation, since the hospital is one of only a few in the country with experience separating conjoined twins. More than 28 pairs of conjoined twins have been separated at CHOP since 1957, the most of any hospital in the country.
The couple met with specialists in CHOP’s Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. Doctors discovered that although the girls shared a chest and abdominal wall, diaphragm, and liver, the twins had separate, healthy hearts. Their shared liver was also large enough to divide between them, making them excellent candidates for separation surgery.
After months of planning for a high-risk delivery via C-section, led by Julie S. Moldenhauer, MD, Addy and Lily were born on November 18, 2020, in the Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit (SDU), CHOP’s inpatient delivery unit. They spent four months in the Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU), followed by six months in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). CHOP plastic surgeon David W. Low, MD, inserted skin expanders to stretch the girls’ skin in preparation for separation surgery. Like small, collapsible balloons, the skin expanders gradually expand through injections, stretching the skin slowly over time so each girl would have enough skin to cover her exposed chest wall and abdomen after separation.
On October 13, 2021, after months of preparation, Addy and Lily underwent a 10-hour surgery and were officially separated at 2:38 p.m. The surgical team, led by Holly Hedrick, MD, included more than two dozen specialists, including general surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and plastic surgeons. Once the twins had been separated, the surgical team rebuilt each girl’s chest and abdominal wall. Stephanie Fuller, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon, ligated the girls’ patent ductus arteriosus and made sure both girls’ hearts were in the right position and functioning well. Plastic surgeons placed two layers of mesh - one temporary, one permanent - over the twins’ abdominal and chest walls and then covered that with the skin that had been stretched over months.
On December 1, 2021, the Altobellis finally flew home to Chicago - one twin at a time, with one parent each - after living in Philadelphia for more than a year. The twins spent two weeks at Lurie Children’s Hospital under the care of the medical team that will support them closer to home. The girls were discharged just in time for Christmas and arrived home to find their yard decorated by their neighbors. They spent the holiday together at home as a family of four.
This video is unscripted. Interviews were shot at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and in Chicago, Illinois. This video was created by Bounce Productions and the in-house team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Go team. 
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I lost my conjoined babies 2 years ago this month. It was my first and only pregnancy. My girls shared a heart cavity, and chances of survival, had they made it, were very slim. Seeing this made me cry so many tears of sadness, but also tears of joy, that you are able to hold your babies and watch them grow. They are little miracles, and so lucky to have parents like you, to love and care for them 💞
:(
I am so sorry for your loss 💓
Prayers for you Rebecca!! For peace and healing of your grief. Sending hugs!!
Sending you so much love Rebecca, im so sorry for what you went through❤️
So sorry for your losses🥺
I’m a nurse but I can honestly say I am not capable of this level of nursing. Modern doctors and nurses in these hospitals are just amazing!!
This one made me cry.
I lost my conjoined twins 8 years ago during surgery. This has brought back so many memories 🥺 wishing your daughters all the love and well wishes in the world. 💝
I'm sending you tons of love and healing vibes
So sorry dear 😭😭😭😭
I’m so sorry for your loss and very sad for you 😢😔
😞❤
I am so sorry to read that their surgery was not the outcome we would have all wanted for them. In this video I was thinking how hard a decision that must have been, to risk their lives for a chance at a normal life, and to have to watch them be wheeled in to surgery. I felt a tiny sliver of the pain you must have endured. I pray you will be reunited with them for eternity and get to enjoy your babies in full health and life in Heaven.
My daughter was air lifted to CHOP when she was 3 on life support. It was 6 am…..they had her room ready and a team of about 20 ready for her. They worked on her for 3 hrs to stabilize her. They have me by baby back. She has a rare genetic disorder that has no name yet that makes her system essentially shut down when she gets a virus. They bring my baby back every time and take excellent care of her every time. Anyone who has a sick child consider chop. It’s worth the travel to give your child the best possible outcome.
CHOP saved my baby. 26 yrrs old now and a miracle. Dr. HABER
I got literal goosebumps, praying for your daughter and family luv❤️❤️❤️
Many blessings to you guys 🙏🏾💕
Wow that’s crazy, I’m so glad everything worked out!
Please take a lot of care of your daughter..... especially during this covid
3:10 the way he watches her talk with a smile on his face…that’s a strong family
I thought the same thing. The way he looks at her is just pure love.
That struck me too! There are moments that define people for who they are and is this moment we dan see what a good man he is.
Yes, I noticed his beautiful smile as his wife spoke as well! Beautiful family! Wish them the very best!
I thought the same thing, he loves her a lot. :)
He’s so in loooveee
The parent's cries of passion and admiration for their daughters makes me myself tear up. I'm a twin and couldn't imagine life without my double...They are already such amazing parents!
Yahh right.. I also can say that .. The wife is so beautiful and the husband is good looking and they have good hearts. They love the babies so much.
I couldn’t imagine life without my double either
As part of the surgery, I am always amazed at the anesthesia aspect. You are literally going from one patient with very specific dosing based on which meds are renal (separate) vs hepatic (joined) clearance rates, to two separate patients. The unsung heroes over there.
That was so moving. You two are the most amazing parents those little girls could have. My wife & I had premature twin boys that we were told had a high chance of being Downs babies. We never gave it a second thought. We were going to bring those boys into the world and love them without question and we did just like you and your girls. My boy's are 24 now and doing very well and they were born without Down Syndrome. Bless you both and thank you for sharing your story.
Your work and thoughts are very praiseworthy
CHOP is the absolute best hospital, they literally saved my life from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and I’m going to be 10 years post transplant this upcoming December. I am hoping to get a child life degree so I can be forever in the chop family
Follow your dream!
That is amazing I wish you all the best
How wonderful.
Join me
So happy for you!
I love how the parents dont care that their babies are different, They give them so much love not matter what they look like❤️❤️
They’re just conjoined. :)
My fiancé is a neurosurgeon and when I asked him what procedure was the most fulfilling to him, he told me of separating conjoined children at their heads years ago and how well they are doing. There are no words that can describe the depth of my love and admiration for this man.
The husband and wife are incredible blessings to each other.
Hiii
I work at CHOP and this video reminded me of why I work here
Thank you for your hard work!
Wow this is an amazing story. 😍
I have a question...what would this have cost the parents? I only ask cause I'm in Australia and have had 2 aortic replacements, It didn't cost Me anything, but I'm aware things are different in the US.
That kinda came out wrong. My whole Family has marfan's syndrome, I spent 4 months in hospital with My 11y/o in skeletal traction while She underwent multiple back surgeries, My siblings, Father and I have all had life saving heart operations. I've often wondered how I would have coped if I had to pay for all the medical treatment We have received.
Thank you for everything you guys do!
I can’t even imagine this. And the fact that they went through this during the beginning of the pandemic is so sad. Those doctors and nurses are incredible.
Besides that those girls are so cute..did anybody recognized with how much love Dom looks at his wife? That touched me even more than anything else. Also that the little ones had a rough start entering life they choose awesome people being their parents for this life.And as a woman i have to say that Maggy is a very beautiful woman❤
Read this...There were Doctors and Nurses from every walk of life in that operating room, working together as a team to reach a successful and beautiful result. This is the behavior and compassion we need more of in the world today. Congratulations to Addy, Lily, their parents and all those involved. You clearly showed us what love and dedication is and the right behavior to mimic as a society.
Absolute pinnacle of respect to the surgeons who have undoubtedly dedicated their lives to be able to perform miracles like this.
This young couple makes it look so easy. Knowing what they went through, and are going through isn't easy. They are so brave and loving. Their girls are beautiful. I pray they have a long and happy life all of them together.
Your thoughts are very respectful and valuable
CHOP is the reason that my 7 year old will be celebrating 5 years cancer FREE! Everyone from the high ups to the ppl that work at Dr coffee are truly amazing ppl! Thank you CHOP for all the amazing things you do for all the family s you touch!!! 💜
OMG what a wonderful story involving such a beautiful family. I must confess I had to skip ahead nearly to the end to see the results and was so happy everything turned out OK. I am an 84 year old Vietnam vet that has seen so much sadness having been medivaced during both of my tours, but this is about this wonderful beautiful family. Please continue with your wonderful lives as we all pray for you. GOD bless you all.
Thank you for your service. I hope you are doing ok.
Join me🙏
The dad said it the best: there is so much good in the world. It's so easy to forget between the mass media and everyday troubles but there is truly so much good in the world and so many people who will help at any chance they can.
I could not imagine how strange and scary it would be to open your eyes for the first time and not see your sister staring back at you. These babies are so strong❤️
The way Dom looks at his wife when she speaks is just precious.
Bawling my eyes. The amount of stress in med school made me rewire my brain that I need to finish it for the money, but this video, made me go back to the reason why I wanted to be a doctor. :(((((((((
We have spend so much time at CHOP with our daughter. The doctors & nurses have literally saved her life several times. Everything they do there is incredible.
What a gorgeous family, remarkable doctors and nurses and therapists, and a beautiful story of life. I know it’s not the same but I so felt their tears seeing their babies after surgery. Our daughter has had open heart surgery and spinal fusion surgery and I felt the same relief both times. Tears of joy. I wish this family the very best!
I wish my kids had such a father as this. You can see his passion for his children. His devotion and love makes me realize what my kids missed out on. Those girls are blessed to have such a good father. God bless this family. It is a beautiful thing…family.
Childrens Hospital in Philly is KILLING IT for the babies. If I ever won the lottery they'd be my first big donation. Gotta save the Babies.
Ugh, so glad we live in an age with the medical science of Pediatrics that we do, right now. And these kinds of surgeries are even possible in the first place, let alone sufficiently routine enough to have a better than equal chance of success.
It's really a testament to be professionalism and experience of the team, and is nothing short of extraordinary. 👍
I had a set of male cousins that were joined just like these girls . One was lost the other grew to adult hood . It's a medical . Prayers 🙏🙏 for your girls full recovery.
What an inspiring story. The parents were so powerful with their love and positivity. CHOP is an amazing hospital. My son started going there when he was 6 months for a congenital birth defect. That was 17 years ago. You would never know now. He is so smart and a fine young man. I thank CHOP for their expertise and so lucky that they are so close to home.
Wow, I had tears dripping down my face. *That* is why people choose to go to medical school - to give the best of themselves to help others!
One of the most inspiring stories I have ever seen; I am wiping away a tear. Such a beautiful and loving family. And the medical staff...what can be said? The best in the world is an understatement. These darling little girls are a gift to the world and headed for great things -- that little fist in the air at birth pretty much says it all. God bless everyone involved in this amazing journey.
Oh. Y gosh, the image of the baby with her arm exte ded with a closed fist is so precious. It's like she was saying "We did it".
My mother is a nurse and u agree.This is amazing! Thank every surgeon in this video.
Putting your babies in the hands of professionals who are pretty much strangers, and trusting them to carry out such a complex surgery and bring them back to you again is a huge deal- they make it look so easy but that is one tough experience to go through! ❤
It makes me choke up too to realise that at one time conjoined children would have been paraded around a circus as an act. It's incredible to see how far science and medicine has come, and to know that these girls can now lead a normal and healthy life!! 🙏
Such an incredible family. Mom and Dad seemed so calm and they knew what they needed to do for their daughters. Lily and Addy are so beautiful and seem happier than most babies. I had happy tears especially watching the family finally being able to go home. I wish them a healthy and happy life together. Thank you to the entire medical team. You are amazing!
I can’t imagine how hard it was for their parents having them live in the hospital for a year before coming home, but it’s very clear that they were well taken care of so I’m sure that put their minds at ease. Still a horrifying experience and I’m so glad that it all worked out and they’re happy and healthy now!
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Altobelli family want to thank everyone for their well wishes. Our RUclips viewers can help bring life-changing care to all those in need. Please go to www.chop.edu/addy-and-lily to donate. Thank you!
This is by far the most rewarding 14 minutes and 1 second I have ever spent on RUclips. Tears in my eyes all through.
I was in the army and I have seen so many traumatic things and this is very heart breaking and I am so glad these kids are still alive to this day.
I didn't have conjoined twins but I was at CHOP with my son when he was 5 weeks old and needed surgery on his stomach. He developed pyloric stenosis and was starving to bad that he nearly died. We got him there in time. His pediatrician sent me to the hospital ER that I delivered in to get the diagnosis and they sent a transport team via ambulance to the hospital. He had to be on intravenous fluid and nutrition for several days before the surgery. After the surgery he spent another 3 days there and I would not wish something like this on my own worst enemy. The most heartbreaking experience I've ever had to deal with but I felt confident that my son was in the best hands possible but I was at the hospital constantly as was my husband. We will always be grateful to God for allowing us to keep our son here with us and for allowing CHOP to exist and save my sons life. Thank you to everyone at chop for all they do everyday to save children's lives. I cannot imagine having to go through what you guys went through but they could not have been in a better place. Enjoy your lives with them I know I am with my son.
Wow, it took me a moment to realize that the surgeons separated the twins and rebuilded their organs. Like that's- WOW. 😮
The female surgeaon was so kind and hearful🥰🥰🥰
I have a question: do the girls eventually lose the NG tubes and the breathing tube? What a great story. Such cute and precious little ones and wonderful parents! 🙂
Yes, but that will take some time
Hi! For the NG tubes, depending on if they are able to eat well by mouth without the tubes will tell when/if they get them out. NG tubes are usually only used short term. If there was any indication that they needed long term tube feeds they would have put in a G-Tube(connected right to the belly). For the trach again, it’s dependent on if they are able to maintain their airways without any assistance. There is a chance those will come out too but since their surgery and everything was so complex it may take time for their bodies to get back to not needing a trach or NG, or they could need them for a while. Hope this helps!
I would like to know too
Most likely! But it's probably gonna have to be done with a slow wean since they've relied on them for so long. You have to retrain the gi tract to work again.
I'm sure they do.
What a great surgeon. She actually cares for her patients and the families, and that’s probably why she is so good at what she does.
This is absolutly incredible but I also love that the hospital is called CHOP and they specialize in separations.
Aww the girls are cute. Hope they get stronger and stronger. Please please do a follow up video on how they are getting on in a few years.
My grandson spent 3 months in CHOP and has continued care through them. CHOP is such a wonderful hospital.
These are beautiful babies.
Amazing. My daughter was born 3-10-2020
She was 3 month early, she weighed 1 lb 08 oz, we were told he had a bilateral stage 4 Brian bleed, she did not or it healed in a way that is literally unheard of, she's no nearly ,2 and has absolutely nothing wrong with her.
What a beautiful statement. "Your girls are surrounded by happiness." Its starts at home. We know who taught the hate And know who gave love. All the best. May happiness continue to embrace your wonderful family.
I love how they radiate positivity! and I'm glad it was a successful outcome.
My aunt was director of planned giving at CHOP for decades and was invited to meet and interact with the conjoined twins separated by C. Everett Koop in the early 1970’s. Hearing about it 50 years ago was groundbreaking and fascinating.
When both children's are came after surgery I cannot stop my tears.exellent doctors we appreciate your hard work and intelligence keep it up..love from India
Hoping that the twins have a wonderful healthy life ! Thank you to the nurses and doctors who made the separation possible.
What an incredible pair of girls, and even though I don't know them and will never meet them, I feel honoured that I get to share a birthday with them. I hope you had a special 1st birthday, as I celebrated my 40th.
The part where the family took nothing in a negative way and always looked them with hope and happiness…..these are the kind of parents we want in the world…and the doctors and nurses who stayed with them the whole way….a really happy and inspiring story
It makes me so happy that they could have their own arms and legs because they grew into eachothers belly, this video made my year
I was so moved 😭..I wish these two girls a life of happiness and blessings. They have two amazing parents..God bless you all 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Saw this story from barstool Chicago. Wish this family nothing but the best with their twins health going forward.
We have 9 month old twin girls, healthy and happy but 5 failed pregnancies previously and a pretty difficult pregnancy until they were born.
💚💚💚💚💚Sending love to all parents and kids , twins or not! 💚💚💚💚💚
It’s very encouraging to see such a beautiful young couple that is so grounded.
Such a moving report. Congratulations to all the doctors and health care personnel involved in the separation and care of the twins. Best wishes to the twins parents; they are a beautiful couple. A beautiful family of four. May Lily and Addy grow healthy and happy.
GOD BLESS every single personnel and doctors involved on this and many other surgeries. May God guide their hands and minds. Thank you for all you do!!!
This video was so magical....I had tears all through out and cried after seeing how happy they are now!!
Their little smiles are beautiful!❤
The parents are such brave people!
And how can we forget the heroes - the CHOP team!
Just so pure!
Same here..I had tears too watching this video..
CHOP is a phenomenal hospital! They diagnosed my son with Cystinosis at age 11 and ultimately put him on dialysis and then did his kidney transplant. They were so awesome because Cystinosis is a rare genetic disease and we were fortunate to have been sent to them because they actually had a few doctors who were versed on the disease and were able to guide my husband and I through the entire ordeal. He’s 19 now and they will continue to see him until he’s 21 and they are helping him to transition from pediatric care into adult care. He’s thriving because the doctors know what they’re doing and have given us any help we have needed to get him to become more independent in his care.
Those girls are very blessed to have been given you two as their parents. Gods gift. The love through it all of you two and just “ hearing” your hearts.
Enjoy those beautiful little girls!😊
My daughter had to have a spinal fusion surgery and it was so scary she was in surgery from early in the morning til late in the afternoon/ evening and i was so worried and i think i cried for most of the day and then seeing her after surgery was the biggest relief! I know its not the same as what they went through but i can imagine what they felt! Its so scary to not know whats happening and not be able to do anything for ur kids and u feel so helpless! Im so glad this had a happy ending and those nurses and doctors were amazing!!
This family went throught so much and stayed so positive. The part where they brought the girls back from surgery made me cry tears of joy. ❤️❤️❤️
I'm proud of all the people who have supported and help the babies. I believe that it's the greatest of the God. Congratulations for the parents. Here I'm still waiting for the baby. I've been married for about 10 years.
I can’t imagine how hard it would’ve been for them as adults 60 yrs. ago. Incredible what they can do now.
This video restored my faith in humanity. And the surgeon is an angel
those girls are so precious. their smiles are contagious.
My goodness.
I remember as a mom the emotions of caring and protectiveness for my little daughter when she has her first child vaccinations as a baby.
I can't fathom the emotions parents of conjoined twins must be experiencing.
🙏
They are gorgeous and they have a great Mom and Dad. This had to be so scary to go through for the family. But those lil girls are warrior's. Bless the medical staff for having the compassion and skills.
Wow. What incredible amazing doctors, nurses, surgeons, everyone at that hospital. The level of care and love put into their job is so amazing. And what beautiful, strong little girls. Their first year of life and they had to be this strong like children are truly the strongest and most resilient beings, they have to idea the cards they have been dealt and manage to be always smiling. So young yet so brave. And their parents are also sooooo strong and positive, truly inspiring. Their energy, positivity and the love they have for their girls made me absolutely bawl my eyes out. What an incredible story and I hope these beautiful babies live the most amazing fulfilled lives, happy and healthy ❤️
It was just good to see this family come through this challenge. CHOP is an incredible hospital, and an example of what medicine can and should be.
My tears flowed throughout the whole video. I'm soooo happy for the parents !
To the medical team, I say ....
God bless you for the miracles you perform every day.
Carry on !
Amazing story! I’m an RN in a pediatric hospital, and have seen some pretty amazing things, but this is such an inspiring story. The parents seem like wonderful people, and Addy and Lily are such beautiful little girls! I wish this family all of the best! ♥️
Great parents and beautiful little girls. God chose these parents .
Watching this just breaks my heart in so many ways. Goes to show if you have a good support system, you can make it through anything.
Beautiful couple !!! Magnificent little girls !! As the surgeon said it is a miracle. I'm a twin and I was born Nov 18th like those sweet little girls. God bless you
Wish fast and easy recovery and rehab from their separation surgery to these beautiful babies, and healthy normal lives. What lovely parents they've been so lucky enough to have to raise and protect them. And not enough respect and admiration can be given to the surgeons, nurses, and all the support staff at CHOP... truly an outstanding facility in their specialty field. While we're at it, lets all be respectful & appreciative of ALL medical staff and first responders, support staff, and essential workers during Covid, it's winding down but not over yet; they've been through absolute hell and they still need our love and support. Just sayin', please be extra kind to them ALL, they've fought one hell of a battle. If only every story was as incredibly sweet and beautiful as this one, wouldn't it be an incredible world?
Such a touching story. Stories like this remind me of my purpose of going into the medical field. 🙏
This is such a beautiful and very uplifting story. Lily and Addy are truly blessed to have two positive and glass half full parents who immediately knew they could get through this challenge. I hope they grow up to be whatever they want to be and live that very full life because I can imagine that being conjoined twins would be tricky if you weren't separated. They are two very blessed little girls indeed.
This is magic, this is the true definition changing someone's life completely the doctors the nurses their efforts it's just nothing less of magical I couldn't stop tearing up.
What a miracle! What amazing parents. Thanks to the whole dedicated medical team. Enjoy your beautiful girls
These girls are so beautiful!! What brave sweethearts, brave parents, and a superhero medical team!
The love of a parent. Made me cry. So glad they're doing well.
I can’t imagine how hard it’d be trying to prevent your baby from pulling on their feeding and breathing tubes and all that.
The girls are Gorgeous, God has blessed them with great parents and healthcare angels!!!
Bless this family, especially the little girls, and all the dr’s, nurses, and people that helped realise this dream. May the girls grow up to live happy and healthy lives.
Those girls have the exact right parents.
How beautiful your life will be with the gift God has given you both, they are absolutely beautiful girls, my wish is that they always have a wonderful life.
Just in tears. When greed seems to guide so much of medicine, the antidote to getting jaded is seeing a story like this one. ❤️
Amazing parents! They stayed so positive right from the moment they found out the conjoined twins. Can't imagine what they went through.. Great joy that their girls are healthy ❤️
Think about what kind of world this would be, if all babies were only exposed to people who were smiling and laughing.
These babies were born to the parents they knew would be perfect for them! ❤️
What an amazing family! Thank God for the doctors and nurses who were knowledgable enough to carry this procedure through to such a "blessed" outcome! Love and prayers for continued health for your beautiful girls!