Sisters Minal and Mirha, born in Pakistan last year, faced extraordinary medical challenges as they shared vital blood vessels and brain tissue. Their condition made any attempt to separate them extremely risky, requiring highly specialized surgical expertise and planning. Despite the dangers, a team of top surgeons took on the challenge to give the girls a chance at independent lives.

On July 19, British neurosurgeon Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani and his team performed a marathon 14-hour surgery at Bilkent City Hospital in Ankara. The delicate operation involved carefully separating the twins while minimizing risks to their shared circulatory and brain structures. It was a high-stakes procedure that demanded precision, skill, and meticulous coordination among the surgical team.

To prepare for the complex surgery, the medical team used cutting-edge mixed-reality technology. This innovative approach combines 3D images with the physical world, allowing doctors to visualize and rehearse the procedure in advance. Using MRI scans, a detailed 3D model of the girls’ heads was created, helping the surgeons plan every step and increase the accuracy of the separation.

Now, just two months after the operation, Minal and Mirha are recovering exceptionally well. Professor Jeelani reported that their progress has been “excellent” and that they are expected to return home to Pakistan in a few weeks. The successful surgery not only ensures their survival but also opens the door to a future where they can live independently and enjoy a normal childhood.

Professor Jeelani emphasized the broader impact of the technology used during the surgery, noting that it improves the safety, efficiency, and precision of many routine and complex operations. For the medical team and the twins’ family, the successful separation represents a life-changing achievement, giving Minal and Mirha a chance to thrive apart while highlighting the remarkable advancements in modern pediatric neurosurgery.