From Conjoined to Independent: The Journey of Manal and Mirhi
Manal and Mirhi were born in Pakistan with an extremely rare condition. They were conjoined at the head and shared parts of the skull, brain tissue, and blood vessels. Their parents faced a difficult choice. Keeping them fused would limit their development, but separation surgery carried enormous risks.
When the girls turned three, their family traveled to Bilkent City Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. An international team of surgeons prepared for months, using 3D modeling and mixed reality technology to map every detail of the twins’ anatomy. This planning helped them rehearse the operation and lower the chance of complications.
The final surgery lasted more than fourteen hours. Specialists worked together to separate the shared tissues, rebuild the girls’ blood flow, and reconstruct their skulls. The procedure was a success.
Recovery moved faster than expected. The girls began breathing on their own and responding to their surroundings within days. They are now in rehabilitation, learning to sit, move, and develop their motor skills independently. Doctors are hopeful they will enjoy active lives as they grow.
For their parents, the journey has been emotional and demanding, but seeing their daughters thrive separately has brought deep relief and joy.
Manal and Mirhi’s story shows how advanced technology, medical expertise, and unwavering parental devotion can transform what once seemed impossible. Their progress stands as a powerful reminder of hope, resilience, and the future possibilities of modern medicine.
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