Twins Separated At The Head Return Home After ‘Landmark’ Surgery Utilizing AI

Jun 23, 2026 by apost team

Mercy and Goodness, twin sisters from Ekiti State, Nigeria, were born in June 2023 with a rare condition called craniopagus twinning, meaning they were joined at the head. Their skulls were fused, and they shared brain tissue and blood vessels, making separation one of the most delicate procedures in medicine.

According to Great Ormond Street Hospital, conjoined twins occur in about one in 2.5 million births. Craniopagus twins, who are connected at the skull, represent only about 5% of conjoined twin cases. The condition is especially dangerous: around 40% of twins joined at the head are stillborn or die during labor, and another third die within 24 hours.

At 6 months old, Mercy and Goodness were referred to Gemini Untwined, a UK-based charity focused on the treatment and research of craniopagus twins. Their case brought together medical specialists from Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

Their treatment took place at SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, part of PureHealth. The girls underwent a carefully staged surgical program over four months, including a final 12-hour operation when they were 19 months old. In total, more than 40 hours of surgery were performed by a team of more than 60 healthcare professionals.

Doctors prepared for the operation using CT and MRI scans, 3D modeling, artificial intelligence, and virtual and augmented reality simulations. These tools helped the team study the twins’ shared skulls, brains and blood vessels before entering the operating room. In a case where even a tiny mistake can affect blood flow to the brain, detailed planning was essential.

One of the most important innovations was the “Open Book” positioning method. Instead of relying mainly on traditional retractors, surgeons positioned the twins so gravity helped support the brain, reducing pressure on fragile tissue. The team also used tissue expanders earlier in the process, allowing enough skin to grow to cover the reconstructed skulls after separation.

Gemini Untwined described the operation as its ninth successful separation of craniopagus twins and the first procedure of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani, founder of Gemini Untwined and lead pediatric neurosurgeon on the case, said the work helps improve safety not only for conjoined twins, but also for wider pediatric surgery.

Jeelani told The Times:

“The techniques we develop in these cases continue to evolve, helping to make surgeries safer and more effective,” adding that, “over time, this work is contributing not only to better outcomes for craniopagus twins, but also to wider advances in paediatric surgery.”

Calling the operation a “landmark” case, he said it was “planned and executed with a precision not encountered before.”

He continued:

“Building on the experience of our previous eight cases, using novel techniques and strategies, we are able to give these girls and their families a new future, where they can enjoy their childhood as intact but separated twins.”

For the family, the medical achievement carried a deeply human meaning. After separation, Mercy and Goodness were able to see each other face-to-face and play side by side. Gemini Untwined said the sisters made a full recovery and returned home to Nigeria with their parents.

apost.com

Medical breakthroughs can change the course of a family’s life and behind every complex surgery is a family waiting for a miracle. Have you ever heard of craniopagus twins before? What part of Mercy and Goodness’ story moved you most? Let us know, and then pass this story along to someone who believes in the power of hope and teamwork!