Twin sisters born conjoined at the head have been successfully separated following a groundbreaking series of AI-assisted surgeries involving more than 60 medical experts from over 20 countries.

Mercy and Goodness, born in Nigeria in 2023 with fused skulls, shared brain tissue and blood vessels, underwent a complex four-stage surgical process that totalled around 40 hours.

Doctors used artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, virtual reality and augmented reality to plan and rehearse the operation, helping surgeons navigate the highly complex procedure with greater precision.

The final separation surgery was carried out at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi under the leadership of pediatric neurosurgeon Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani and the UK-based charity Gemini Untwined.

The twins, now fully recovered, have returned home to Nigeria. Medical experts described the operation as a major milestone in the use of advanced technology to support life-saving surgery.