The Surgery

Surgery to separate conjoined twins, Regina and Renata Fierros, began at 6:21 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14th.  Regina was transferred to Childrens Hospital's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at 2:47 a.m. on Thursday, June 15th for post-operative care.  Her sister, Renata, joined her at 3:58 a.m. 

The separation involved a dozen surgical procedures, according to Dr. Stein, the pediatric surgeon who headed the surgical team. "The first phase included dividing the breastbone, liver, intestine, urinary bladders, genital organs and the bony pelvis. During the second phase, the chests, intestines, vaginas, ureters, pelvises and body walls all were reconstructed." 

While one of the rarest types of conjoined twins, Ischiopagus twins also are among the most complex to separate, according to Dr. Stein. "Since they involve so many organ systems " liver, intestine, urinary, reproductive, vascular and musculoskeletal systems, we are utilizing nearly every area of expertise offered at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles."

• Read about care after surgery