Knatalye Hope Mata and Adeline Faith Mata, who were conjoined twins, underwent a successful separation surgery last week at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.
>> Photos: First-of-its-kind surgery separates conjoined twins
The twins were conjoined for 10 months until doctors successfully separated the girls in a 26-hour surgery. Knatalye and Adelin shared multiple organ systems, including lungs, diaphragm, intestines and liver.
In preparation for the surgery, experts built 3-D models of their organs to use in simulations before the procedure.
"We're very optimistic they can both have a really great outcome," said Dr. Darrell Cass, the lead surgeon.
Knatalye and Adelin will remain at the hospital for several months and will likely undergo additional surgeries.
Those interested in the Mata family's continued journey can follow them on their Facebook page and provide assistance on their gofundme page.
