Conjoined twins die during final separation surgery in Brazil

Heloísa and Helena, conjoined twins born joined at the head, died during the fifth and final stage of a planned separation surgery at the Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo. The procedure, which began on a Saturday morning, lasted 15 hours and involved approximately 50 healthcare professionals.

The separation process had been planned since 2024, with medical teams opting for a multi-stage approach to reduce risks and prepare shared structures. The twins had successfully undergone four previous surgeries: the first in August 2025, a second in November, a third in February, and a fourth in March to prepare skin expansion for the final skull closure.

The family confirmed the deaths via social media, noting that a wake is expected to be held in São José dos Campos. Specific details regarding the cause of death during the final procedure have not yet been released.