Historic Achievement: Nigerian Conjoined Twins Successfully Separated in Abu Dhabi

In a landmark medical feat, Abu Dhabi has successfully separated 15-month-old Nigerian conjoined twins in a series of intricate paediatric surgeries. This remarkable procedure took place at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), forming part of PureHealth's extensive SEHA network and showcasing the UAE’s prowess in advanced healthcare.

The twins, Mercy and Goodness, were born in Nigeria with a rare condition called craniopagus twinning, where their heads were conjoined at the top, sharing essential cranial structures and neural connections.

The extensive treatment experience spanned over six months, involving four highly specialized surgeries. A diverse team of more than 60 medical professionals from the UAE, UK, Brazil, and Nigeria collaborated on this complex case, including specialists from various disciplines such as neurosurgery, craniofacial surgery, and rehabilitation.

Advanced medical technologies played a pivotal role, incorporating cutting-edge imaging modalities, augmented reality simulations, and 3D printing to enable precise surgical mapping of the twins’ unique anatomy.

Gemini Untwined, an international organization focusing on craniopagus cases, was instrumental in orchestrating medical expertise and guiding the surgical planning.

Post-separation, the twins had their skulls reconstructed using custom-fit 3D-printed titanium implants. Currently, the girls are in recovery and receiving rehabilitation to enhance their mobility skills prior to their eventual return to Nigeria.

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, lauded the achievement as more than just a medical triumph, highlighting it as a testament to international compassion, cooperation, and innovative healthcare solutions. She remarked that this operation underscores Abu Dhabi's dedication to providing life-altering healthcare through world-leading expertise and technology.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, acknowledged this feat as a reflection of the emirate's superior healthcare infrastructure. He expressed pride in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a hub for specialized medical treatment.

Farhan Malik, Managing Director of PureHealth Group, stated that the successful separation demonstrates their commitment to accessible, life-saving healthcare. He commended the medical teams for their unwavering commitment throughout the entire process.

The surgical team was headed by Professor Noor Ul Owase Jeelani, Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon and Founder of Gemini Untwined, who framed the case as a tremendous success borne from international collaboration and advanced medical technologies.

Innovative techniques developed in collaboration with the Zayed Centre for Research were also employed, enhancing the safety of the procedures and minimizing the need for skin grafts. The medical team noted that these innovations substantially contributed to achieving the fastest documented separation of vertically conjoined twins.

The successful separation of Mercy and Goodness heralds a significant milestone for Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the UAE’s expanding role as a global leader in advanced medical care and humanitarian efforts.