In a groundbreaking medical feat, a team of 60 doctors in Ankara, Turkey successfully separated 11-month-old conjoined twins, Mirha and Minal, after a challenging 14-hour surgery.
The twins, born in Pakistan with their heads fused together, had limited prospects until their family appealed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for help. This initiated an incredible journey of hope and collaboration.
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The family initially sought the expertise of London-based pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Owase Jeelani, who believed the twins could be safely separated but found the costs in the UK prohibitive. Touched by their plight, Dr. Jeelani reached out to President Erdogan, who promptly ensured that the girls would receive the necessary treatment in Turkey.
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In May, Mirha and Minal were transferred to Bilkent City Hospital in Ankara, where they were under close observation. The complex separation surgery, led by Dr. Jeelani and Turkish surgeons Dr. Harun Demirci and Dr. Hasan Murat Ergani, was performed in two stages. On July 19, the final procedure successfully separated the twins, who had been conjoined at the skull since birth.
Dr. Aziz Ahmet Surel, the hospital’s chief coordinating physician, highlighted the international collaboration that made this surgery possible, calling it a “successful transfer of knowledge and expertise” between the Turkish and British teams. He expressed immense joy in seeing the babies’ healthy, smiling faces post-surgery compared to their initial condition.
Dr. Namik Yasar Ozbek, head of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, detailed the extensive teamwork required to address the twins’ neurological and physical challenges. “The girls had difficulty with sitting and hand movements due to their conjoined condition. Post-surgery, neurologists, physical therapists, and neurodevelopmental specialists have helped them gain head control and begin using their hands and arms. They will soon celebrate their first birthdays separately,” he shared.
Reconstructive surgeon Dr. Hasan Murat Ergani explained the meticulous planning involved, including a balloon tissue expansion technique to ensure adequate tissue coverage for the girls’ brains post-separation. “We used a material to gradually expand their head tissue over two months,” he explained. “When we successfully separated them, the entire team applauded—it was an unforgettable moment.”
Initially, the twins found it difficult to adapt to being apart, but were gradually reunited in the same room and bed to ease their transition. Dr. Demirci noted that they are now in good health and expected to be discharged in two to three weeks, with ongoing follow-ups to monitor their progress.
For the twins’ parents, Rehan Ali and Nazia Parveen, this experience has been life-changing. They expressed profound gratitude to President Erdogan, Dr. Jeelani, and the entire medical team, and hope to personally thank President Erdogan. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved. We hope to meet President Erdogan to express our thanks,” Ali said.
Reflecting on the successful separation, Dr. Jeelani emphasized the global unity that made this possible, stating, “This isn’t just about Mirha and Minal. It’s about how the world should come together when children need help. This was a beautiful example of that unity. A big, heartfelt thank you to Turkey, the Ministry of Health, and every doctor, nurse, and professional involved. This is how we should be working together.”
