These girls were born joined at the abdomen and shared almost all their vital organs. When they were just one year old, doctors decided to separate the conjoined twins. Nearly four years have passed since the separation—look at how the twins look now!
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The sisters were born joined at the abdomen, but a year later, doctors separated them; here is how they look today.
In the summer of 2020, Maggie and Dom Altobelli were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins. But their joy quickly turned to anxiety: the girls were conjoined.
The babies shared their most vital organs—a rare condition known as thoraco-omphalopagus.
When Addison and Lilianna were born on November 18, 2020, the family was already under the care of specialists at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the few hospitals in the United States equipped to handle such a complex case.
The Altobellis moved to a new city to be closer to the medical team and ensure the girls received the best possible care.
The sisters were born joined at the abdomen, but a year later, doctors separated them; here is how they look today.
The twins spent nearly a year in the intensive care unit. Their bodies were connected at the chest and abdomen; they shared a liver, diaphragm, rib cage, and abdominal wall.
Doctors prepared meticulously for the separation surgery; it was an incredibly complex procedure, and a single mistake could have cost both girls their lives.
Exactly one year after their birth, doctors performed a unique operation. It lasted many hours and was a success. Addie and Lily were given the chance to lead separate, independent lives.
The sisters were born joined at the abdomen, but a year later, doctors separated them; here is how they look today. After the surgery, both girls remained under observation and were fitted with tracheostomy tubes to aid their breathing. Doctors are confident that, over time, their breathing will normalize and the need for the tubes will disappear.
Despite what they had been through, the babies adapted quickly to life apart. Eddie and Lily surprised everyone with how fast they developed: shortly after being separated, they began to crawl, and a few months later, they took their first steps.
Now, nearly four years after the surgery, Eddie and Lily are active, cheerful, and incredibly charming girls.
The sisters were born joined at the abdomen, but doctors separated them a year later; this is how they look today.
Their journey was not easy, but thanks to their family’s love, the doctors’ dedication, and their own resilience, they overcame what seemed impossible.
