# Separation of Ethiopian conjoined twins

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/separation-of-ethiopian-conjoined-twins
> Updated: 2026-09-21T19:28:55.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Ethiopian twin sisters Hiyab and Wuhbto, born with the rare craniopagus condition where they were joined at the head, underwent a successful 25-hour separation surgery at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

The complex procedure involved approximately 30 medical specialists and required extensive preparation to separate shared blood vessels and fused skull structures. Because the twins were joined while facing opposite directions, the separation allows them to see and interact with one another directly for the first time.

Following the operation, the twins have begun intensive rehabilitation at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital to develop motor skills. While Wuhbto has already undergone a cranioplasty to reconstruct her skull, Hiyab is scheduled for a similar procedure later in the fall. The twins' relocation to the United States was facilitated by a network of charitable organizations, including World Pediatrics and Lola Children’s Home.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Ethiopian twins successfully separated after rare skull-joining surgery

Ethiopian twins Hiyab and Wuhbto have been successfully separated after a 25-hour surgery in St. Louis to treat craniopagus, a rare condition where they were joined at the head.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ethiopian-twins-successfully-separated-after-rare-skull-joining-surgery

### 2026-09-19: Ethiopian conjoined twins separated in complex US surgery

Ethiopian conjoined twins Hiyab and Wuhbto were successfully separated after a 25-hour neurosurgical procedure in St. Louis, Missouri, to treat the rare craniopagus condition.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ethiopian-conjoined-twins-separated-in-complex-us-surgery

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Cite as: Separation of Ethiopian conjoined twins. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/separation-of-ethiopian-conjoined-twins