Conjoined Twins Separated in Complex Surgery

A medical team in St. Louis successfully separated 2-year-old conjoined twins during an intricate surgery at a children’s hospital. The twins, Hiyab and Wuhbto, were born in Ethiopia with a rare condition called craniopagus, joining them at the head facing in opposite directions. Less than 6% of conjoined twin cases involve this condition, occurring approximately once in every 2.5 million live births.

Before the separation, the twins could hear each other’s voices but were unable to see each other’s faces. Remaining conjoined posed significant health risks, according to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

The girls traveled from Ethiopia to Missouri in 2025 for the procedure. A team of nearly 30 medical specialists spent almost a year planning the operation. Due to visa issues, the parents stayed in Ethiopia, while the twins traveled with a guardian. The endeavor was supported by a worldwide network of pediatric providers and charity organizations.

The surgery took 25 hours. Surgeons carefully separated the twins’ shared blood vessels, according to hospital reports.

Dr. Joanna Kemp, the first female neurosurgeon in the US to perform this type of surgery, led the operation. She noted that while most of their brains were separate, doctors had to address small fused areas. Seeing the twins separated, even just a few feet apart, was surreal for the team.

The hospital reported that the girls have achieved a major milestone. Wuhbto recently underwent successful cranioplasty for skull repair, with Hiyab’s surgery planned for later this fall. They continue to receive rehabilitation care at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital hopes to reunite the twins with their family in Ethiopia soon.