An Italian neurosurgeon has separated conjoined twins in a first-of-its-kind surgery at Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome, according to the National Catholic Register.
Joined at the back of the head, the twin girls shared both skin and cranial bones in a rare condition known as total posterior craniopagus. The Vatican's pediatric hospital reported the successful surgery in a July 7 tweet.
Dr. Carlo Efisio Marras, director of neurosurgery at the hospital, led the procedure, which brought together physicians from several surgical specialties.
The surgical team achieved an "optimal clinical result" and the twins are expected to make a full recovery, Dr. Marras told NCR.