Janet CollinsAustralia's Medical Achievements
November 24th 2009 04:00
One of the most fascinating news items that got some coverage, but not enough in my opinion, was the separation of the two three-year-old Bangladeshi Siamese twins, Krishna and Trishna.
I was reluctant to post anything sooner about this predominantly because it was suggested one of them might not survive. But survive, so far, they have, and I have appalled at the lack of media attention this group of doctors have received.
These are our own home-grown doctors who have managed an operation that is really sensational. Reports of the length of the operation vary from 26 hours to 31 hours but either way it would have been a gruelling operation where every second counted. The risks would have been enormous.
One of the twins, Trishna, came into recovery much quicker than her twin, Trishna, who doctors kept into a more coma state for a lot longer. Both of them at the time of writing this are doing well.
What I would like to know, is why this operation has not received the adulation that a Michael Jackson movie has received. Why are pop stars worth more in the media than our most prominent surgeons?
Or even Climate Change.
This was an operation that took 16 doctors and nurses to separate them. They were twins who were found in an orphanage in Bangladesh in 2007 and brought to Australia by the Melbourne’s Children First Foundation. Doctors had predicted that they only had a 50 per cent chance of surviving the operation.
It was also estimated that the twins could both suffer brain damage from the ordeal.
So far so good it seems. What doctors think so far is that it has been a resounding success, although most of them are reluctant to claim an all out victory yet.
I think it is a great thing they have done and accomplished, even if I am speaking too soon. This story received a lot more coverage than media outlets thought.
It is a real gong to those in the medical profession who have risked all and achieved.
It is also a pity that something so great as this had so little response from the media. Hey, to the doctors!
Image credit: www.heraldsun.com.au
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
It must be gratifying for the doctors to have been a part of something amazing.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I thought this story was rather overshadowed really with all the antics that are going on in Federal Parliament recently.
The coverage of this story was little considering the huge medical feat. I just don't know why that is.
Your comment was really appreciated.
Janet