Turkish doctors separate conjoined Pakistani twins after 14-hour surgery

Pakistani twins, Mirha and Minal, who were born with their heads fused, were successfully separated by a team of 60 medical professionals in Turkey after a marathon 14-hour surgery undergone in two phases, according to state-run Anadolu news agency.

The surgery was conducted at Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded to the family's plea for help as they were unable to find a suitable treatment in Pakistan.

After being contacted by renowned London-based pediatric neurosurgeon Owase Jeelani, Erdogan assured Jeelani that the babies' treatment would be carried out in Turkey, as per Anadolu. 

The 11-month-old twin girls travelled to the Turkish capital in May and were placed under close medical supervision.

The final 14-hour operation took place on July 19 by a surgical team led by Dr Jeelani along with Turkish physicians Dr Harun Demirci and Dr Hasan Murat Ergani.

Emphasising the extensive teamwork involved in the operation, the hospital's head of the Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Namik Yasar Ozbek told the Turkish news agency: "The babies had some issues with sitting and hand movements due to their conjoined state."

"Post-surgery, our neurologists, physical therapists and neurodevelopmental specialists resolved these issues," he added.

"The babies are now doing very well, starting to use their hands and arms, and gaining head control. In 10 days, they will celebrate their first birthdays separately," Ozbek said.

"Seeing the babies healthy now is an incredible joy," said Turkish physician Ergani, who was part of Dr Jeelani-led surgical team, adding: "When we successfully separated them, the entire medical team looked at each other and applauded. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life."

Speaking to the news agency, the twins' parents, Rehan Ali and Nazia Parveen, expressed their profound gratitude to President Erdogan, the medical team, and everyone involved in their children’s treatment.

"We are very happy and indebted to everyone who contributed," said the father, adding that they hope to meet Erdogan to thank him personally.