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What is the biggest surgery in history?

Published in Medical History 2 mins read

While "biggest" can be interpreted in different ways, if we consider "longest" to be one way to measure the size of a surgery, then the longest surgery in history was a complex and demanding procedure involving the separation of conjoined twins.

The Longest Operation on Record

The longest operation on record took place in 2001 at Singapore General Hospital. This surgery involved the separation of 11-month-old twins, Ganga and Jamuna Shrestha, who were conjoined at the head.

Key Details of the Surgery

Feature Detail
Duration 103 hours (over four straight days)
Location Singapore General Hospital
Patients Ganga and Jamuna Shrestha, 11-month-old twins
Conjoinment Conjoined at the head
Medical Team A team of 20 doctors working in shifts

This extraordinary surgery required a large team of 20 doctors, who worked tirelessly in shifts to successfully separate Ganga and Jamuna. The procedure, lasting more than four consecutive days, stands as an impressive testament to medical innovation and teamwork. The complexity and sheer duration of this procedure make it a standout example of a "big" surgery in terms of time.

While other surgeries might be considered "big" due to the number of procedures, or the complexity of the operation, the 103-hour separation of the Shrestha twins in 2001 stands out as the longest surgery on record.

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