Formerly Conjoined Twins Finally Released From Hospital

VALHALLA, NY — The formerly conjoined twins, separated after 21 hours of surgery, were released March 24 from the hospital.

Ballenie and Bellanie’s surgery was the first separation of conjoined twins performed at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, according to a spokesman.

The surgery took place Jan. 17-18.

The twins were connected at the sacrum, or the triangular bone at the base of the spine.

Doctors said they had gastrointestinal, urinary, neurologic and orthopedic connections and shared a major supplier of blood to the pelvic region, hips, thigh and reproductive organs.

Dr. Whitney McBride, one of the surgical team leaders, said the progress the girls have made since the separation surgery has been remarkable.

“More post-surgery care, along with further rehabilitation lies ahead for the girls, but the are expected to walk and enjoy full lives, a prospect that wasn’t so promising prior to their stay with us a Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital,” she said.

The children were born to Abel Camacho and Laurilin Celadilla of the Dominican Republic.

The twins will continue recovering locally, with physical therapy and other services in an outpatient capacity before returning to the Dominican Republic.

Photo credit: Courtesy.