In a major medical triumph, Ethiopian conjoined twins who were attached at the head have been successfully separated following a grueling 24-hour procedure at a St. Louis hospital staff
The twins, Hiyab and Wuhbto — whose skulls were joined at the crown — underwent the surgery from Feb. 24 into Feb. 25 at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital after 300 hours of painstaking planning, officials announced in a statement Wednesday.
“Partnership, collaboration and expertise were the building blocks of this incredible feat,” said Dr. Andrew J. White, the hospital’s chief medical officer, noting that the delicate procedure demanded “sublime precision” and seamless multi-specialty coordination.
“Successful surgical separation of craniopagus twins requires sublime precision, meticulous attention to detail, and highly complex coordination across many specialties.”
The craniopagus twins traveled from Ethiopia with aid from Ronald McDonald House Charities and Ethiopian Airlines.
Wuhbto underwent a cranioplasty operation — a surgical operation used to repair, reshape or reconstruct a defect or missing area in the skill — and Hiyab is slated for the same procedure this fall.
Hiyab and Wuhbto’s separation surgery is regarded as “one of the most complex and rare pediatric procedures performed in the United States,” SSM Health Cardinal Glennon said in a statement.
The rehabilitation effort for the twins requires 60 clinical team members and support from partner organizations.
Since the operation, Hiyab and Wuhbto have been able to participate in individualized therapy that suits each girl’s specific needs.
