Conjoined twins successfully separated in ‘first-of-its-kind’ surgery (PHOTOS)



HOUSTON, Texas -- Call it a miracle of Hope and Faith.

Doctors in Houston Texas have successfully performed a first-of-its-kind surgery separating two conjoined twin infant girls.

Now Knatalye Hope Mata and Adeline Faith Mata will be able to live their lives apart.

Hope and Faith, as they are called, were born in April of 2014 with shared chest wall, lungs, pericardial sac (the lining of the heart), diaphragm, liver, intestines, colon and pelvis.

10 months later on February 17th a team of 25 people at Texas Children’s Hospital worked for roughly 18-hours to separate the tiny little girls. Several more hours was spent on each baby once the separation was completed.

The twins’ mother, Elysse Mata, said she was grateful for everyone who had cared for her daughters and give them the chance to lead separate lives.

“We know how much planning and time went into this surgery and we are so blessed to be at a place like Texas Children’s where we have access to the surgeons and caretakers that have made this dream a reality,” said Mata. “We also want to express our gratitude to all of the people that have prayed and provided support to our family over the last 10 months.”

The surgery team worked for months in advance of the operation running simulations and using 3-D models to perfect their approach.

Doctors said this particular surgery had never been used on twins conjoined in the way Hope and Faith were born.

The twins remain hospitalized and under the care of doctors at Texas Children’s where they will likely stay for the next few months.

For more information about the twins, visit their Facebook page or their GoFundMe page to support the family.