In a remarkable medical achievement, twin sisters Mercy and Goodness, who were conjoined at birth, have successfully undergone separation surgery using innovative techniques involving artificial intelligence. The twins were born in June 2023 in Ekiti State, Nigeria, with a complex condition that saw their skulls fused and shared brain tissues and blood vessels. At six months old, they were referred to the UK-based charity Gemini Untwined, which is renowned for its work with craniopagus twins.
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Craniopagus twins are exceedingly rare. Statistics show that only about 5% of all conjoined twins are joined at the head, a phenomenon that occurs in approximately one in every 2.5 million births. Tragically, many such cases do not survive, with around 40% being stillborn or dying during labour. Furthermore, a significant proportion of those who do manage to be born alive may perish within the first day of life.
In 2025, a significant turning point came for Mercy and Goodness when they travelled to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for what has been hailed as a “landmark” surgical procedure. Over the course of several months, the girls underwent multiple surgeries at the SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, as overseen by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals from across the UAE, UK, Nigeria, and Brazil. The total operating time exceeded 40 hours, with the final surgery specifically lasting an intensive 12 hours.
Since their separation at 19 months old, Mercy and Goodness have returned home to Nigeria and are reported to have made a full recovery. Experts involved in the surgery, including Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani, the lead pediatric neurosurgeon, highlighted the significant role of artificial intelligence in planning and executing the separation. Cutting-edge imaging technology was used to create intricate scans of the twins’ brains, allowing the surgical team to rehearse complex procedures in a mixed reality environment before they were performed.
The operation employed an innovative “Open Book” approach, which utilises gravity to support the brain, aiming to minimise pressure and lower the risk of trauma that can often arise from traditional surgical methods. This is particularly important, as interventions in such delicate areas can carry substantial risks. For this procedure, artificial intelligence also enabled the early insertion of silicone skin expanders into the twins’ heads. This advancement meant that the girls’ skin could grow sufficiently to cover their newly separated skulls, allowing for a more immediate recovery without the need for subsequent skin grafts.
Professor Jeelani spoke to the media following the surgery, describing the efforts as a historic case executed with a standard of precision that had not been seen before. Drawing on lessons learned from previous separation cases, the medical team was able to apply novel techniques to provide Mercy and Goodness with a promising future. “Over time, this work is contributing not only to better outcomes for craniopagus twins, but also to wider advances in paediatric surgery,” he noted.
The involvement of over 60 healthcare professionals in the operation underscores the collaborative effort and international scope necessary for such a complex procedure. It was not only a victory for Mercy and Goodness but also a testament to the evolving landscape of medical science, particularly in the realm of surgical interventions for rare conditions. Their successful recovery offers hope to other families facing similar challenges.
As Mercy and Goodness continue their journey as healthy, individual girls, their story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the potential for medical technology to transform lives. The successful separation of conjoined twins remains a rare achievement, but the techniques developed through this process could pave the way for future advancements in treatment and care for similar cases around the world.