The public has always closely followed the lives of Siamese twins, fascinated by the fate of individuals who were once one. Nature rarely grants such people the opportunity for a full life, but Vilia and Vitalija are an exception. They were born with conjoined heads, but now they live separately.
When their mother was pregnant, ultrasound wasn’t a routine practice. At least, it wasn’t available to everyone. If the mother felt fine, it was assumed there were no pathologies or issues. So, without ultrasound diagnostics, there were some inherent risks.
Some doctors practiced manual examination, but they didn’t realize that Dainava was carrying two babies. During labor, it became clear that something was wrong, so a C-section was performed. When the doctors saw the twins, they were shocked and had to calm the new mother.
Dainava cried for a long time when she first saw her daughters. Instead of one baby, she gave birth to two with conjoined heads. She cried constantly, while the father remained calm and took action. He reassured his wife and convinced her that this problem was solvable. He consulted many specialists, but it was Alexander Konovalov, an experienced neurosurgeon, who offered help. He agreed to take the risk and explained the potential dangers.
By then, Vilia and Vitalija had already begun learning to stand. They were very active, and their condition directly impacted their lifestyle. It wasn’t just about discomfort but also a real danger. Everyone knew that without surgery, they couldn’t live a full life.
Before the operation, the girls were thoroughly examined. It was discovered that their brain structures hadn’t fused, and immediate action was necessary. Because their circulatory systems were separate, the doctor decided to go ahead with the complex surgery.
Since this was a rare and unique case, the neurosurgeon couldn’t offer any guarantees. Everyone understood that the operation could end fatally, but it was the only option. During the preparation, the girls turned two years old. By that time, Dainava had already given birth to a son. The father stayed with the girls in the hospital while she cared for the baby.
The surgery lasted 24 hours and was later entered into the Guinness Book of Records. It was successful—the sisters were separated, though there were some skull deformities. Hair didn’t grow where the separation took place, but that was a small issue compared to everything else. As children, the girls were teased, but they didn’t pay attention to it. They were just happy to be alive and healthy.
In 2015, the Siamese twins participated in a television project where they shared their story. The sisters were also able to meet the neurosurgeon who literally saved their lives.
Of course, the meeting wasn’t without tears. The program organizers struggled with what gift to give the girls. Since they had long dreamed of having their hair grown out, the wish was granted after the show.
The sisters still live in Vilnius. They received an education and found work in the humanitarian field. They admit they try to avoid the spotlight of journalists, as they grew tired of it in their childhood. However, they were happy to meet their life-saving doctor thanks to the program. In ordinary circumstances, that would have been impossible.
Until the age of 20, the girls lived together, but eventually, they learned to separate. Yet, they remain incredibly close, bonded by their sisterly connection. They still try to live separately and find different interests.
Now, at 34 years old, they are not married but hope to meet the right person. Their grandmother also found a family later in life, which is not unusual in Europe. The twins are deeply grateful to their father, who searched tirelessly for ways to save them. They have the example of a true man to guide them, so they won’t settle for just anyone.
Their story has given many parents hope. They now understand that it’s possible to fix such genetic conditions, though the risks are significant. But this story is not only about the possibilities of medicine—it’s about two determined men: their father and the surgeon. They gave the girls a second chance at a full life.
