Ethiopian Conjoined Twins Successfully Separated After 24-Hour Surgery

Ethiopian conjoined twins Hiyab and Wuhbto, who were attached at the head, have been successfully separated following a 24-hour surgical procedure at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. The surgery took place from February 24 to February 25 and followed 300 hours of planning, according to a statement released by the hospital on Wednesday. Dr. Andrew J. White, the hospital’s chief medical officer, emphasized that the procedure required 'sublime precision' and effective coordination among multiple specialties. The twins were transported from Ethiopia with assistance from Ronald McDonald House Charities and Ethiopian Airlines. Following the separation, Wuhbto underwent a cranioplasty operation to repair her skull, while Hiyab is scheduled for a similar procedure in the fall. The separation surgery is recognized as one of the most complex pediatric procedures performed in the United States. A rehabilitation team of 60 clinical members is involved in the twins' recovery, which includes individualized therapy tailored to each girl's needs.