Turkish Surgeons Separate Conjoined Pakistani Twins in Ankara

An extraordinary medical achievement has taken place in Ankara, Turkey, where a dedicated team of 60 medical professionals successfully separated 11-month-old conjoined twins from Pakistan. The twins, named Mirha and Minal, were born with their heads fused together, a condition that posed significant challenges for their health and development. Their journey to separation began when their family, unable to find suitable treatment in Pakistan, reached out for help. This heartfelt plea caught the attention of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who ensured that the twins would receive the necessary medical care in Turkey.

In May, the twins arrived in Ankara and were placed under the expert care of the medical team at Bilkent City Hospital. The separation process was complex and required two stages of surgery, lasting approximately 14 hours in total. The surgical team was led by renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Owase Jeelani, alongside Turkish specialists Dr. Harun Demirci and Dr. Hasan Murat Ergani. The final operation took place on July 19, successfully separating the twins, who were conjoined at the skull.

Dr. Aziz Ahmet Surel, the hospital’s coordinating chief physician, expressed the joy of witnessing the twins’ transformation. He stated, "Seeing the healthy, smiling faces of the babies now, compared to their conjoined state when they first arrived, is an indescribable joy." This sentiment was echoed by Namik Yasar Ozbek, head of the Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, who highlighted the extensive teamwork involved in the operation. He noted that the twins had difficulties with movement due to their condition, but post-surgery, they began to regain their abilities, such as using their hands and gaining head control. "In 10 days, they will celebrate their first birthdays separately," Ozbek added with optimism.

The surgical process was meticulously planned to ensure the twins' safety. Dr. Ergani explained that they first performed balloon tissue expansion surgery to prevent tissue deficiency after the separation. This involved placing a material in their heads that gradually expanded over two months, allowing for adequate coverage of the brain after the separation. The careful planning paid off, as the team successfully separated the twins while ensuring their health and safety.

Initially, the twins struggled with the separation, feeling uncomfortable in their new circumstances. To ease their transition, the medical team kept them together in the same room and bed for a while. Eventually, they adapted, and their health improved significantly. Dr. Demirci mentioned that they expect to discharge the twins in two to three weeks, with regular monitoring of their brain and bone development every three months.

The twins’ parents, Rehan Ali and Nazia Parveen, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Erdogan and the medical team. Ali shared, "We are very happy and indebted to everyone who contributed," and expressed a desire to meet Erdogan personally to thank him for his support. The family had initially been told in Pakistan that treatment was not possible, but after contacting Dr. Jeelani in London, they learned that separation surgery could be performed. With the help of President Erdogan, the necessary arrangements were made for the twins to receive treatment in Turkey.

Turkish Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu also visited the twins to check on their health and convey his well-wishes. Dr. Jeelani emphasized the importance of global unity in such cases, stating, "This is about how the world should be, where when you have children that need help, the whole world comes together." He expressed his gratitude to Turkey for its support, highlighting this case as an example of how collaborative efforts can lead to miraculous outcomes.

This remarkable story of the conjoined twins serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and cooperation in the medical field. It showcases how countries can come together to provide life-changing assistance to those in need. As Mirha and Minal prepare to celebrate their first birthdays as separate individuals, their journey inspires hope and highlights the importance of seeking help and support in times of crisis.