Rare Conjoined Twin Separation
Ethiopian Twins Conjoined at the Head Separated Successfully After Rare 25-Hour Surgery
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Key Points
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The sisters traveled from Ethiopia to the United States in March 2025 to prepare for the operation and turned two shortly after their separation surgery.
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The surgery was supported by more than 60 clinical team members and a broad international partnership that included Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, World Pediatrics, Lola Children’s Home, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Ethiopian Airlines.
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Only 62 separation attempts involving 69 documented cases of craniopagus twins have been reported worldwide, underscoring the exceptional rarity of the operation.
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Because the sisters had faced away from each other while conjoined, they had never seen one another face to face before the operation; afterward, hospital staff said they could reach for and snuggle with each other for the first time.
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Doctors cautioned that the girls’ long-term development remains uncertain, even though separation has created opportunities that would not have been possible while they were conjoined.
Two-year-old Ethiopian twins who were born fused together at the head have been successfully separated after a grueling 25-hour surgery at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis. iHeart reports that Hiyab and Wuhbto underwent the rare procedure with more than 60 medical professionals working to give them the chance to live independent lives. The surgery marks only the 62nd documented separation attempt for this condition worldwide.
The sisters, who arrived from Ethiopia in March 2025 to prepare for the operation, turned two years old shortly after their separation. They are now learning fundamental skills like sitting up, eating, speaking, and walking during intensive rehabilitation. For the first time, they can see each other face to face and hold each other — something impossible while they were conjoined.
One of Medicine's Rarest Procedures
Craniopagus twins — babies fused at the head — occur in roughly 1 of every 2.5 million live births. iHeart notes that only 62 separation attempts involving 69 documented cases have been reported globally, making this surgery extraordinarily exceptional. The St. Louis operation required extensive planning and coordination among dozens of specialists to safely divide the girls' shared skull and brain tissue.
A Global Partnership Made Surgery Possible
The separation required support far beyond the hospital. iHeart reports that more than 60 clinical team members worked together, with backing from Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, World Pediatrics, Lola Children's Home, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Ethiopian Airlines. This international collaboration helped transport the girls from Ethiopia and provided housing and resources throughout their preparation and recovery.
Long Recovery Ahead for Two Young Sisters
Wuhbto has already completed cranioplasty — surgery to repair her skull. Hiyab is expected to undergo the same procedure later this fall. iHeart reports that while separation has opened new possibilities for the girls' development, doctors remain cautious about their long-term outcomes. The twins continue intensive rehabilitation to rebuild strength and learn skills they could not practice while joined.
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