Fifteen-month-old twins Ally and El, who were born conjoined at the pelvis, have been successfully separated after an 18-hour surgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The hospital announced that the girls, who underwent the complex procedure on February 28, 2025, are now “thriving at home” with their family and receiving ongoing care as they grow.
The surgery required more than 30 medical professionals and months of preparation. Doctors carefully separated the twins’ gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and urologic systems in what the hospital described as a “highly complex and delicate” operation.
“Conjoined twins are rare, and twins joined at the pelvis, as Ally and El were, are even a bit rarer,” said Dr. Caitlin A. Smith, co-director of the reconstructive pelvic medicine program. “The surgery required another level of coordination and teamwork. The relief that they were separated and safe was incredible.”
The girls were discharged in late May and have been working with physical therapists and speech specialists to aid their recovery. While they initially had movement restrictions, doctors say they are making strong progress.
Their mother, Sam, said it has been “incredible” to watch the twins’ development. “Seeing them crawl quickly, learn new words, and show their distinct personalities has been such a joy,” she shared.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, conjoined twins occur in only 1 in every 50,000 to 100,000 pregnancies, making Ally and El’s case exceptionally rare.
Seattle Children’s Hospital confirmed it will continue supporting the family as the girls grow, helping them strengthen their muscles and develop new skills.
