Formerly Conjoined Twins Erika and Eva Sandoval Thrive Years After Landmark Separation Surgery

Erika and Eva Sandoval were born joined from the rib cage down, sharing several organs and having a total of three legs. In December 2016, at the age of two, the sisters underwent a complex and successful 17-hour separation surgery at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. A team of about fifty medical professionals carried out the operation.

The twins had separate hearts, lungs and stomachs, but they shared a diaphragm, liver and bladder, along with two kidneys and three legs. Surgeons divided the shared organs so that each girl could live independently. After the separation and later reconstructive procedures, each sister retained one leg and one kidney.

The operation was high-risk. Doctors had warned the family that there was a significant chance one or both girls might not survive. Their parents chose to proceed so the sisters could grow up as individuals.

Following surgery, Erika and Eva adapted to life apart. They recovered through further reconstructive operations, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Over the years they have grown, continued their schooling and made strong progress in verbal skills. They have also moved through the physical and psychological stages of recovery, developing distinct personalities while remaining close.

By kindergarten age they were described as energetic, curious and thriving. Each girl later used a prosthetic leg and walker, and both continued to gain mobility and independence.

Source: Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford / Stanford Medicine reports on the December 2016 separation of Erika and Eva Sandoval and subsequent follow-up coverage (2016–2020).