Surgery separates infant conjoined twins in Texas

CP37062784
This Feb. 10, 2016 photo provided by Driscoll Children\'s Hospital shows conjoined twin sisters Scarlett, left, and Ximena Hernandez-Torres at Dirscoll Children\'s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Doctors in Texas will attempt to separate the two 10-month-old sisters born conjoined below the waist. The girls share a colon and bladders that will be reconstructed. Their identical triplet sister, Catalina, was born without serious health issues. (Joshua Thelin/Driscoll Children\'s Hospital via AP)

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Surgery at a South Texas hospital has separated two 10-month-old sisters born conjoined below the waist.

Driscoll Children’s Hospital spokesman Jeff Salzgeber says the hourslong operation began Tuesday morning.

Ximena (huh-MEE-nuh) and Scarlett Hernandez-Torres shared a colon and bladders that will be reconstructed. Their identical triplet sister, Catalina, was born without serious health issues.

The hospital staff has cared for the conjoined girls since they were transferred to the Corpus Christi facility hours after birth.

Dr. Haroon Patel says a team of specialists had been working for months to prepare for the surgery, which lasted about 15 hours.

A hospital statement says doctors have a positive outlook for the children’s recovery. The girls will require additional surgeries as they grow.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles