Ethiopian Craniopagus Twins Separated After 24-Hour Surgery in St. Louis

Doctors at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis separated two-year-old Ethiopian twins Hiyab and Wuhbto who were joined at the head after a grueling 24‑hour operation that followed about 300 hours of planning. The complex craniopagus separation required roughly 60 clinical team members across multiple specialties. Hiyab underwent a cranioplasty with Wuhbto set to have the same procedure later this fall, and both girls are in individualized rehabilitation. The twins traveled to the U.S. with aid from Ronald McDonald House Charities and Ethiopian Airlines, and this separation is described as one of the most complex pediatric procedures performed in the country.