Doctor honoured after intricate operation
A VETERAN Durban doctor and his team of 25 specialists received special recognition recently for their efforts in surgery that successfully separated conjoined twins at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.
Dr Harshavadan Mackanjee led medics through the 13 hours of intricate procedures to separate sisters Nkosingiphile and Simphiwe Mbuyisa.
This earned Mackanjee and the team the MEC’S Annual Service Excellence Award, staged by the KZN Department of Health, earlier this month.
The team comprised neonatologists, paediatric surgeons, cardio-thoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, plastic surgeons, nursing and theatre staff.
Separating conjoined twins is known to be delicate and risky work, which could result in the death of one or both children.
However, Mackanjee said they were optimistic they would achieve a successful outcome for the twins, who were born in Pongola on October 8. They were joined at the chest and abdomen and required intensive care.
“I am very happy for the mother and babies, who now have independent lives. We have been involved with the separation of conjoined twins four times before, but nothing as complex as this.
“Of the four instances, two children have died.
“We are experienced, and we have improved with each procedure.
“I want to be known as a person who cares for babies,” he said. He also stressed that his latest surgical success was borne out of a team effort, “and not just me alone”.