Twins Safe and Sound

Professor Walker and Sherelle Koeleman with four month old bundles of joy, Mathew and Isaac.

Sherelle Koeleman was anticipating the birth of healthy twins when a routine scan  at 18 weeks revealed a complication known as Twin to Twin  Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).

TTTS occurs when one twin loses blood through placental channels to its co-twin. In Sherelle's case the condition had advanced significantly, with the untreated mortality rate for both twins over 95 per cent. 

Dividing the vessels connecting the twins using laser surgery is a relatively new technique and offers new found hope in these devastating cases. This was the best option for Sherelle and her twins.

In August 2009, Director Perinatal Medicine, Associate Professor Sue Walker from Mercy Hospital for Women, and Head of Perinatal Services Fetal Diagnostic Unit, Dr Andrew Edwards from Monash Medical Centre performed the laser surgery to divide the circulatory connections between the twins.

"The surgery was successful and Matthew and Isaac were delivered safe and sound late last year", said Associate Professor Walker.

"Now four months of age, they popped in to say 'hi', proving that despite their rocky paths the twins are happy and healthy babies. They are a true testament to the technique's success!" she said.

Associate Professor Walker and Dr Edwards are part of the Victorian Fetal Therapy Service surgical team, a collaborative group from Mercy Hospital for Women, Royal Women's Hospital and Monash Medical Centre that provide fetal surgery for Victorian women with TTTS and other conditions.