# Conjoined twins reach new milestones after doctors perform 24-hour surgery to separate their heads

> Twins separated after 24-hour surgery reach milestones in recovery
- Title: Conjoined twins reach new milestones after doctors perform…
- Summary: Twins separated after 24-hour surgery reach milestones in recovery Conjoined twins Hiyab and Wuhbto survived a rare 24-hour surgery to separate their heads…
- Keywords: hiyab, wuhbto, craniopagus, ssm health, cardinal glennon children's hospital, world pediatric project, neurosurgery, twin separation, news, local, Conjoined, twins
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/18/conjoined-twins-reach-new-milestones-after-doctors-perform-24-hour-surgery-separate-their-heads
- Published: 2026-09-18T15:23:30.195+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hiyab, wuhbto, craniopagus, ssm health, cardinal glennon children's hospital, world pediatric project, neurosurgery, twin separation, news, local
## Twins born conjoined
Hiyab and Wuhbto were born in Ethiopia as craniopagus twins, conjoined at the tops of their heads.
## Rare medical challenge
Only 62 craniopagus separations have ever been documented worldwide, with this being the second in St. Louis.
## 24-hour surgery marathon
Doctors performed a 24-hour surgery on February 24 and 25, 2026, to separate the twins' heads.
## First female neurosurgeon
Dr. Joanna Kemp became the first woman neurosurgeon in American history to complete a craniopagus twin separation.
## Recovery milestones
The twins celebrated their second birthdays in separate beds after surgery and are now recovering from skull reconstruction.
## Key takeaway

Conjoined twins Hiyab and Wuhbto survived a rare 24-hour surgery to separate their heads and are now recovering in separate beds