The “complicated” operation involved a team of 17 doctors and lasted about six hours, according to a statement from the hospital.
This is the first time the two girls are sent home since they have been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since birth on March 1 this year. The babies were born at 35 weeks of gestation by caesarean section.
“Our team began planning and preparing for this operation before the babies were even born,” said Alice King, a pediatric surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital. “We are all working together towards a common goal: a better outcome for Ella and Eliza,” he added.
“Conjoined twin pregnancies are incredibly rare and carry a high risk, so it is important that a pregnant woman receives care from a highly trained team of maternal and fetal health professionals,” said Rupali Donepudi, maternal and fetal health specialist.
Recovery from the operation was quick, according to the hospital, and three days after the operation, Sandy and Jessie’s parents were able to hold their daughters separately for the first time.