Conjoined twin boys separated at the age of five
FREE Catholic Classes
After being surgically separated, previously conjoined twin Heitor Rocha has impressed his doctors and family with his remarkable development and determination. Unfortunately, his twin brother Artur passed two days following the operation.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
9/11/2015 (9 years ago)
Published in Marriage & Family
Keywords: Conjoined Twins, Heitor Rocha, Artur Rocha, Surviving, Determination, Brother, Family, Surgery, Operation, Complications, Development
MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Conjoined twins are usually separated before they turn a year old but the Rocha twins, Artur and Heitor, were too weak for surgery.
According to The Daily Mail, the pair also lacked enough skin to cover their wounds after the operation.
At the age of 5-years-old, the boys decided to pursue their independence despite sharing a bladder, intestines, liver and genitals. Their parents agreed they deserved a better quality of life and scheduled the operation to separate them.
Their mother, Eliane Rocha, explained that the two were excited for the life that awaited them - doing things on their own, individually and independently.
"When I talked to them about the big surgery, they said they want to be separated. It's not just mine and my family's will, it's theirs too. They want to be independent. They want to make their own decisions about where to go. They'd want to play different games, or go to different places and we had to try and make them understand that they had to take turns," said Mrs. Rocha.
The pair underwent 15 different procedures to grow extra skin in preparation of the surgery. As they grew, the surgery became necessary because Heitor's weight began to cause Artur pain.
Dr. Zachariuas Calil, their pediatrician and surgeon, said that they anticipated complications due to the body's natural reaction upon separation and organ divisions. However he could not have predicted what would befall young Artur.
Two days after the 18-hour surgery, Artur passed away due to cardiac arrest. He had been weak and suffered a fever following the surgery.
Despite the loss of his brother, Heitor recovered well and continues to show remarkable determination. He is reportedly stronger and is learning how to walk. He is also eating well on a normal diet, said Dr. Calil. The pediatrician noted that his intestines and kidney are working fine.
Heitor's pain from the loss of Artur has been curbed by his mother, who said, "I told Heitor not to worry because Artur is living in his little heart, and has become his guardian angel."
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
- Easter / Lent
- Ascension Day
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary

PRAY WITH US: Charlie Kirk Shot at Utah Valley University Event, FBI Investigating

Pope Leo XIV Urges Prayer and Protection for Children in War Zones

‘Where Are We Going Next?’ A Cry for Peace from Gaza’s Children
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Thursday, September 11, 2025
St. Paphnutius: Saint of the Day for Thursday, September 11, 2025
Prayer of Praise: Prayer of the Day for Thursday, September 11, 2025
Daily Readings for Wednesday, September 10, 2025
St. Salvius of Albi: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, September 10, 2025
- Prayer in Time of Anger: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.