St. Louis – In a landmark medical achievement, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital announced the successful separation of twin sisters Hiyab and Wuhbto, who were born conjoined at the head. The 25‑hour operation, performed in February, followed months of preparatory surgeries and intensive planning.
Precision and teamwork made the difference
“Successful surgical separation of craniopagus twins requires sublime precision, meticulous attention to detail, and highly complex coordination across many specialties and with our partner institutions,” said Dr. Andrew White, chief medical officer at the hospital. He added that every decision was guided by a commitment to give the girls the best possible outcomes, allowing them to grow and thrive.
Photos released by the hospital show the sisters facing each other after the procedure, reaching out and smiling. Born in Aksum, Ethiopia, in 2024, the twins first arrived at the St. Louis facility in March 2025 for evaluation and treatment.
Post‑operative care and rehabilitation
After the surgery, the girls were transferred to Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Maryland Heights, Missouri, for rehabilitation. Dr. Nick Holekamp, chief health transformation officer at Ranken Jordan, highlighted the remarkable progress: “They are now able, for example, to participate in individually focused therapies, to do the activities of daily living they could not do while conjoined, such as sitting upright, and they can eventually learn to stand and walk. They’re already working on eating, speaking, socializing and playing with other kids, including each other.”
Molly Kate Adelman, a certified child specialist at Cardinal Glennon, described the twins’ personalities post‑surgery: “They’re the same girls. They’re both giggly and smiley, dancing and happy.”
Rarity of the condition
Conjoined twins joined at the head, known medically as craniopagus twins, occur in roughly one in 2.5 million live births and represent about 6 % of all conjoined‑twin cases, according to the National Library of Medicine. The successful separation of such twins is exceptionally rare and requires a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists.
While doctors caution that the twins’ long‑term development remains uncertain, the separation has opened possibilities that would have been impossible while they were conjoined. The medical community views this case as a testament to the skill and dedication of Missouri’s pediatric specialists.
Community response
Local families and faith‑based groups have expressed gratitude for the hospital’s effort, emphasizing the importance of compassionate care rooted in Christian values. The successful outcome underscores the region’s commitment to providing world‑class medical services while upholding the dignity of every child.
As the twins continue their rehabilitation, the hospital plans to share updates on their progress, offering hope to other families facing similar challenges.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
