Kempton Park twins grateful to dedicated medical team

Danielle and Danika Lowton, born conjoined at the head on June 21, 2006, at Arwyp Medical Centre in Kempton Park, overcame incredible odds after a challenging 16-hour surgery successfully separated them.

The twins spent 18 months in the hospital, receiving expert care from a dedicated team before they were allowed to go home.

Reflecting on their journey, lead neurosurgeon Dr Olusola Adedipe shared how he learnt about the twins.

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“I met the parents, Nitesh and Kribashnee Lowton, when Kribashnee was three months pregnant.

“Their uncle was my patient, and the twins’ father appreciated how I explained his condition. He asked me to look at his wife’s case, which was unusual and immediately caught my attention.”

Adedipe promptly admitted Lowton to Arwyp, assembling a team that included paediatrician Dr Johannes de Witt and gynaecologist Dr Machiel Kruger.

Kribashnee remained in hospital care until the birth.

On delivery, doctors confirmed that Danielle and Danika were joined at the back of their heads, facing opposite directions.

After their separation, each twin went into a separate theatre to receive individual care.

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The procedure required collaboration between neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons and paediatricians, each team focusing on one twin to ensure the highest level of specialised care.

“None of us did this for money. We didn’t claim anything; it was done for God’s glory,” said Adedipe.

De Witt, who handled the twins’ paediatric care, recalled the months of preparation and collaboration with medical aid providers to manage the high-risk procedure.

“Before their birth, we held several meetings to assess the case’s severity and strategise with the medical team. After birth, we conducted extensive tests to ensure their hearts and kidneys could function independently.”

De Witt described this case as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”, explaining how rare it is to encounter conjoined twins in practice.

Today, Danielle and Danika look back with gratitude to the medical team who provided such dedicated care.

“It’s amazing and scary to hear about everything we went through. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped us,” the twins said.

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Their parents shared their gratitude.

“We were filled with mixed emotions and uncertainty when we found out our twins were conjoined because the doctors initially gave little hope.

“But looking at them today, we are thankful beyond words to God and every staff member who made it possible to bring our daughters home.”