Twin sisters Hiyab and Wuhbto, who were conjoined at the head, have successfully undergone separation surgery at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. The operation, described as one of the most intricate and rare paediatric procedures in the United States, lasted over 24 hours and was completed on February 24.
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Originally from Ethiopia, the twins arrived in St. Louis in March 2025, nearly one year after their birth. They are currently in the recovery phase, receiving intensive medical attention and rehabilitation to support their postoperative progress. According to a recent hospital update, Wuhbto has already had a cranioplasty surgery to close the remaining gaps in her skull, while Hiyab is scheduled for a similar procedure later this autumn.
In a statement, Dr. Hossain Marandi, president of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, reflected on the significance of this event. “This story reflects the very best of who we are, bringing hope, healing, and opportunities once thought impossible to children and families when they need it most,” he said. This sentiment highlights the collaborative effort that brought together numerous organisations dedicated to the twins’ care and welfare.
The surgical procedure involved a vast network of healthcare professionals. Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital provided care before and after the operation, ensuring that the twins received continued support during this challenging period. In addition, World Pediatrics played a crucial role in managing guardianship, consent, patient advocacy, and international coordination. Other supporting entities included Lola Children’s Home in Ethiopia, which provided care for the twins before their travel, and Ronald McDonald House Charities, which offered lodging for their guardian during their stay in the United States. Notably, Ethiopian Airlines facilitated specialised transportation for the twins.
Dr. Nick Holekamp, chief health transformation officer at Ranken Jordan, provided insights into the twins’ recovery process. He noted that Hiyab and Wuhbto are increasingly able to engage in targeted therapies aimed at activities they were unable to participate in while conjoined. This includes learning to sit, stand, walk, eat, and communicate. The twins also have the opportunity to play and socialise with each other and other children—a significant aspect of their rehabilitation.
The hospital disclosed that extensive planning went into the surgery, with over 300 hours dedicated to strategising the details. On the day of the operation, more than 30 surgical staff members were present, a number that has since expanded to over 100 individuals involved in the twins’ ongoing care team. This level of commitment underscores the rarity of craniopagus twins, which occur in just 1 in 2.5 million live births and account for less than 6% of all conjoined twins, according to the National Library of Medicine. Worldwide, only 62 separation attempts of this kind have been recorded.
While the twins are still at the beginning of a long medical journey, the progress they have made so far offers great promise for their future. As they navigate recovery, the multidisciplinary therapy regimen at Ranken Jordan is tailored to cater to their individual needs, focusing on helping them develop skills for independent living in the future.
In the face of a lengthy and complex recovery process, Hiyab and Wuhbto’s determination and the dedication of their medical teams set a hopeful tone for their lives going forward. The community’s involvement and response to the twins’ plight serve as a reminder of the collective power present when individuals and organisations unite for a shared mission—the pursuit of healing and new beginnings for these brave young girls.