25.08.2026 00:00
Two-year-old twins Helena and Heloísa Batista da Silva, born conjoined at the head in Brazil, died as a result of severe complications during their fifth surgery to separate them. After the 15-hour operation, the twins' hearts stopped a few minutes apart, and despite all medical intervention, they could not be saved.
Two-year-old twins Helena and Heloísa Batista da Silva, who were born conjoined at the head in Brazil, lost their lives following complications during their fifth surgery to separate them. More than 50 healthcare and support staff took part in the final operation on the twins, who shared the same brain tissue and blood vessels.
THEY UNDERWENT 4 SURGERIES IN 2 YEARS
The twins, born in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, had been under the supervision of medical teams since birth. Four separate operations had previously been carried out to separate the sisters.
The final surgery was performed to complete the separation process. More than 50 healthcare workers took part in the operation, which lasted approximately 15 hours.
THEIR CONDITION DETERIORATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER SEPARATION
During the surgery, one of the sisters developed high blood pressure, while the other developed low blood pressure. Shortly after the twins were fully separated, they experienced hemodynamic instability.
Doctors stated that this condition led to inadequate blood flow to vital organs and brought with it the risk of multiple organ failure.
THEIR HEARTS STOPPED MINUTES APART
Serious problems occurred in the twins' cardiac and circulatory systems after the surgery.
Helena's heart stopped at 23:12, and Heloísa's at 23:26. Medical teams intervened for approximately 25 minutes to revive the two children, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Helena passed away at 23:37, and Heloísa at 23:51.
"THEIR BODIES COULD NOT WITHSTAND THIS INSTABILITY"
Plastic surgeon Jayme Farina Júnior, who was part of the twins' medical team, said the sisters had been struggling with serious health problems for a long time.
Júnior noted that the twins had pneumonia multiple times, underwent tracheostomy, and needed gastrostomy to be able to eat, stating that the health problems they experienced had greatly weakened their bodies.
Júnior reported that during the final separation stage, the twins' bodies could not withstand the physiological change that occurred, leading to cardiac arrest.
FATHER THANKED THE MEDICAL TEAM
Amarildo Batista da Silva, the father, speaking after the death of his daughters, thanked the medical team that fought to save the children throughout the operation.
Silva stated that he did not hold the doctors responsible for his daughters' deaths and addressed the healthcare workers with these words:
"Every child you lose is a defeat, and every child you manage to save is a victory. I am sure you have many more victories than defeats, so this does not count as a defeat."