Surgery Today for Separated Twin

Doctors will perform follow-up surgery today on Maria de Jesus Quiej Alvarez, one of the Guatemalan twins separated Aug. 6 at UCLA, to inspect surgical wounds and make repairs to her skull.

It will be Maria de Jesus’ first trip back to the operating room since the 23-hour surgery at Mattel Children’s Hospital that separated the conjoined girls. The 1-year-old twins were born connected at the skull and shared bone and blood vessels but no brain tissue.

Maria Teresa has had three operations to remove blood that collected on her brain. During her last surgery one week ago, doctors were able to inspect her wounds as well, said Dr. Henry Kawamoto, a plastic surgeon.

Both girls are alert and active, doctors said. Maria Teresa was removed from a ventilator Tuesday; Maria de Jesus has been breathing on her own since Aug. 13.

Kawamoto said Maria de Jesus has been observed reaching her hands over her head. He thought she was trying to pull at her bandages, but nurses told him she was searching for her sister.