Separation of conjoined twins: Fragile Kalia taken off ventilator

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Kalia, second of the separated conjoined twins of Kandhamal, has been taken off ventilator support and shifted to the ICU at AIIMS, New Delhi today. According to sources, he is being given semi-liquid food like milk and honey through a feeding tube up his nose.

Following the separation surgery of the conjoined twins, Kalia had been put on ventilator support and was taken off on Friday after his health condition showed signs of improvement. Presently, a team of doctors is constantly monitoring the health condition of Kalia.

Meanwhile, his twin brother, Jaga has seen considerable improvement. He is able to recognise his parents and play with ball and other toys.

Born to Bhuan Kanhar and Puspanjali Kanhar of Milipada in Kandhamal district, the rare condition of Jaga-Kalia was first highlighted by OTV a couple of months ago. Subsequently, the district administration started treatment of the twins.

After preliminary medical treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, they were shifted to AIIMS, New Delhi.

They were separated after a marathon surgery which lasted around 11 hours at AIIMS on October 25. A special team comprising 20 surgeons including four Odia doctors and 10 Anesthesiologists led by AK Mahapatra and other paramedical staff successfully conducted the separation surgery.