“The relief that they were separated and safe was incredible,” said doctor. “Each twin got exactly what they needed.”
Ally and El Albalushi, born conjoined at the pelvis, are now thriving as independent toddlers after a complex separation surgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The twin girls, born in November 2023, were just 15 months old when the life-changing procedure took place in February. Today, at 22 months, they are recovering well.
“Conjoined twins are rare, and those joined at the pelvis are even rarer,” explained Dr. Caitlin A. Smith, co-director of the hospital’s Reconstructive Pelvis Medicine program, in a Sept. 17 press release. “This surgery required an extraordinary level of coordination and teamwork.”
The Albalushi family placed their trust in Seattle Children’s after meeting with Dr. Smith and her colleagues. “Their expertise and approach to care really impressed my husband and me,” said the twins’ mother, Sam. “It made our decision to have the surgery here an easy one.”
Preparation for the 18-hour procedure began months in advance, in October 2024. More than 30 specialists—including pediatric surgeons, urologists, gynecologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technicians—collaborated to plan every step. Using advanced imaging such as MRI, fluoroscopy, and endoscopy, the team carefully mapped the girls’ shared anatomy before performing the separation of their gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and urologic systems.
“The relief that they were separated and safe was incredible,” Dr. Smith reflected. “Each twin got exactly what they needed, thanks to an amazing, dedicated team that put Ally and El’s health and safety first.”
Since the surgery, the girls have been making remarkable progress with occupational, speech, and physical therapy. Their mother beams at their milestones: “It’s incredible to watch our girls crawl quickly, learn new words, and see their distinct personalities take shape. We are so happy with the care we received—it was the right decision for our family.”
