ABU DHABI — In a groundbreaking medical achievement, twin sisters Mercy and Goodness from Nigeria have been successfully separated after being born conjoined at the head, following a complex 40-hour surgery assisted by advanced AI technology.

The girls, born in 2023 with fused skulls, shared brain tissue, and connected blood vessels, underwent the rare procedure at just 19 months old. Their case is one of the rarest forms of conjoined twins, known as craniopagus, which occurs in approximately one in 2.5 million births.

An international team of more than 60 medical experts, led by renowned neurosurgeon Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani, carried out the multi-month process. The final separation surgery lasted over 40 hours and utilized cutting-edge AI imaging to map the twins’ brains and rehearse the operation in mixed reality.

Doctors employed the innovative “open book” technique to carefully manage pressure on the brain during the procedure, significantly reducing the risk of injury. This level of precision, according to the lead surgeon, marked a new milestone in the field.

The successful operation marks only the ninth recorded successful separation of craniopagus twins worldwide. Photos from the hospital show one of the girls recovering post-surgery, highlighting the intensive medical care involved.

The twins have since returned home to Nigeria and are reported to be recovering well, beginning their new lives as independent sisters. Their story has inspired medical professionals and the public alike, showcasing the remarkable advancements in pediatric neurosurgery.

This landmark case not only offers hope for future families facing similar challenges but also demonstrates the life-changing potential of combining human expertise with artificial intelligence in complex surgeries.

The family, medical team, and global community celebrate this extraordinary outcome for Mercy and Goodness.