Conjoined twins Juhi, Ruhi on way home after successful separation

Conjoined twin sisters -- Juhi and Ruhi -- in Jaldhaka upazila of Nilphamari district are finally returning to their homes on Thursday (21 August) after successful treatment following a critical separation surgery.

The intricate surgery was led by Dr Kaniz Hasina (Shiuli), head of Pediatric Surgery Unit-2 at DMCH, with the participation of a multidisciplinary team of doctors from various departments of the hospital.

Confirming the development on Thursday, Dr Kaniz said the twins aged about seven months and 23 days were admitted to DMCH on 13 January this year.

"As they were very small at the time, we kept them under observation and formed a medical board to provide necessary care. On June 24, we performed the surgery that lasted four hours and successfully separated them," she said.

Alongside pediatric surgeons, doctors from plastic surgery, neonatology, pediatric orthopedics, radiology and imaging, neurosurgery and anesthesiology departments were involved in the procedure.

Following the operation, the twins were kept in the hospital's Post-Operative Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring and specialised care.

Dr Kaniz said that both children are now doing well and have no difficulties with feeding or natural functions like urination and defecation—similar to their condition prior to surgery.

"The entire treatment, including hospital stay in Cabin No-60, was provided free. We have discharged them after ensuring their stable condition," she said.

"This was a long and highly complex operation. Every moment, the safety and well-being of Juhi and Ruhi remained our highest priority. As the daughters of a rickshaw-puller father and homemaker mother, the twins had to stay at the hospital for an extended period. We ensured all accommodation, tests and medical supplies were arranged for them. I am deeply grateful to the entire medical team, nurses and hospital staff for their support in making this success possible," she said.

Expressing gratitude, Shirina Begum, mother of the twins, said she has a 10-year-old son.

Juhi and Ruhi are now 7 months and 23 days old. From birth, they were physically conjoined.

After bringing them to DMCH, they received over five months of treatment before undergoing successful surgery in June.

"The doctors have finally allowed us to return home with both our daughters in good health. I sincerely thank all the doctors and hospital authorities," she said.