A tragic event unfolded as a conjoined twin recently passed away following a complex surgery to separate her from her sister. Aruna Rodrigues, who underwent the operation in Goiania, Brazil, in May, sadly succumbed on Christmas Eve after a prolonged hospital stay. Doctors at the State Hospital for Children and Adolescents (Hecad) in Goiania confirmed her death, citing severe complications that arose during her treatment.
Her twin sister, Kiraz, had already passed away shortly after the separation surgery in May. The intricate 19-hour procedure involved a sizeable medical team and was performed when Aruna and Kiraz were 18 months old. The twins were born conjoined at the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Lead surgeon Zacharias Calil shared the heartbreaking news of Aruna’s demise on social media on December 24, expressing deep sorrow for the loss.
Aruna’s father, Alessandro Rodrigues, revealed on social media that his daughter had been moved from intensive care to a hospital ward but later developed infections and a viral illness. Despite undergoing numerous procedures and surgeries successfully, Aruna ultimately succumbed to complications after being transferred to the ward from the intensive care unit.
After seven months of intensive monitoring, Aruna had shown signs of improvement and was shifted to the ward on December 10. Unfortunately, she encountered severe respiratory issues and had to be transferred back to intensive care. The medical team diagnosed her with a viral infection and confirmed her passing due to septic shock on December 24, despite exhaustive medical interventions. The hospital emphasized that Aruna and her family received comprehensive medical and emotional support throughout her treatment.
The medical facility continues to provide psychological assistance to the grieving family and has requested privacy during this mourning period.