Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a groundbreaking achievement, Abu Dhabi has successfully completed the complex separation of 15-month-old Nigerian conjoined twins, marking a significant milestone in pediatric surgery. This life-altering operation took place at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), part of the PureHealth SEHA network, reinforcing the UAE's stature as a hub for advanced healthcare solutions.

The twins, identified as Mercy and Goodness, were born in Nigeria connected at the head, sharing skulls, brain tissue, and blood vessels. Their rare condition, known as craniopagus twinning, poses some of the most demanding medical challenges.

Their treatment journey spanned over six months and entailed four intricate surgeries, orchestrated by a multidisciplinary team of over 60 medical professionals from the UAE, UK, Brazil, and Nigeria. This diverse group included neurosurgeons, craniofacial experts, pediatric specialists, and various other health practitioners.

The surgical efforts were underscored by state-of-the-art technologies such as advanced imaging, augmented reality simulations, artificial intelligence for surgical planning, and 3D printing, enabling precise mapping of the twins' vital brain structures.

Gemini Untwined, an international charity focused on craniopagus twins, played a pivotal role in coordinating the necessary medical expertise and planning.

Post-surgery, surgeons utilized custom-designed 3D-printed titanium implants for skull reconstruction. The twins are presently in recovery in the UAE, undergoing rehabilitation to enhance their motor abilities before returning to Nigeria.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, highlighted this achievement as a testament to compassion, innovation, and global collaboration, representing Abu Dhabi’s dedication to providing transformative healthcare.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, emphasized that this success not only showcases the emirate’s advanced healthcare landscape but also fortifies its role as a premier destination for specialized medical treatments.

Farhan Malik, Founder and Managing Director of PureHealth Group, reiterated the organization’s commitment to prioritizing patient care and accessible healthcare across borders, commending the medical teams for their unwavering dedication during the twins' treatment.

The surgical team was led by Professor Noor Ul Owase Jeelani, Founder of Gemini Untwined and a Consultant Pediatric Neurosurgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, who identified this case as a remarkable example of global collaboration and advanced techniques.

Additionally, innovative methodologies were developed with support from the Zayed Centre for Research at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Techniques such as mixed reality-guided implant design and AI-enhanced surgical planning were implemented, contributing to a safer operation and minimizing the need for skin grafts, resulting in the fastest record for separating vertically conjoined twins.

The successful separation of Mercy and Goodness not only represents a historic achievement for Abu Dhabi but also highlights the UAE’s expanding role in global healthcare innovation and humanitarian initiatives.

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