A Twinspirational Surgery

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome is a disease of the placenta that affects about 10% of all identical twin pregnancies—that’s nearly 9,000 babies in the United States each year. This serious condition links the blood vessels of both babies and causes one baby to receive too much blood, while the other receives too little. Untreated, the survival rate of TTTS is less than 5%.

Dr. Julian De Lia is the medical director of the International Institute for the Treatment of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For the past 25 years, he’s been investigating and treating babies who have TTTS. In 1988, Dr. De Lia pioneered a fetoscopic placental surgery to treat the condition. Since pioneering the surgery, Dr. De Lia has seen the survival rate jump from 5% to nearly 80%. Dr. De Lia believes that it’s his mission to help these twin babies and their mothers. And he’s doing just that by offering the highest care possible.

One family that has benefited from the help of Dr. De Lia is the Stockings. Julie and Box Stocking were already the parents of three children when they found out they were expecting two more. But when they found out their twin boys had a severe case of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome they were frightened and concerned. They sought the help of Dr. De Lia and immediately knew that their boys would be safe in his caring hands. After careful consideration, Julie elected to have the surgery.

The Stocking twins are now five years old. Julie and Box are forever grateful to the medical expertise and care of Dr. De Lia. Thanks to his pioneering surgery and continued practice countless babies all around the world are receiving a chance at life.

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