Surgeons in UK separate conjoined twins Minal and Mirha after 14 hours
- Minal and Mirha, one-year-old twins from Pakistan, were successfully separated during a 14-hour operation in Ankara, Turkey.
- The surgery utilized mixed reality technology to enhance precision and preparation, marking a first for British surgeons.
- Both twins are expected to recover fully and lead normal lives, providing hope for families with conjoined twins.
On July 19, a complex surgical procedure was successfully performed in Ankara, Turkey, to separate conjoined twins Minal and Mirha, who were born with their heads fused together. The operation, led by Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani from Great Ormond Street Hospital, lasted 14 hours and involved a local medical team. The twins shared vital blood vessels and brain tissue, making the surgery particularly intricate and challenging. For the first time in the UK, mixed reality technology was utilized to enhance the surgical process. This innovative approach allowed surgeons to visualize 3D models of the twins, improving their preparation and precision during the operation. The use of mixed reality not only aids in complex surgeries but also contributes to making routine procedures safer and less invasive. The operation was part of a series of surgeries that Professor Jeelani has conducted on conjoined twins, showcasing his expertise in this specialized field. The twins are expected to make full recoveries and lead normal lives upon returning to Pakistan next month, marking a significant milestone for their family. The surgery was supported by the charity Gemini Untwined, which aims to assist siblings born joined at the head. With one in 60,000 births resulting in conjoined twins, and only 5% being craniopagus, the successful separation of Minal and Mirha offers hope and a new future for families facing similar challenges.