Rare surgery to separate twins conjoined at the head successfully completed in St. Louis

A pediatric hospital in St. Louis, United States, has successfully performed an extremely complex surgical procedure to separate 2-year-old twin girls who were born conjoined at the skull.

The sisters, named Hiyab and Wuhbto, are of Ethiopian origin and arrived in the U.S. in 2025, shortly before turning one.

More than 60 professionals from various fields, including pediatric neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons and intensive care specialists, took part in the operation, which lasted more than 24 hours, according to People magazine.

According to the hospital, twins conjoined at the head are an exceptionally rare occurrence, affecting approximately one in 2.5 million births. This is precisely what makes the procedure one of the most challenging in pediatric surgery.

Both girls are now receiving intensive care and undergoing rehabilitation. Wuhbto has already successfully undergone skull reconstruction surgery, while Hiyab is expected to undergo the same procedure later, during the autumn months.