Saudi medical team triumphs in separating Nigerian conjoined twins

Riyadh: Saudi surgeons at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh successfully completed the intricate procedure to separate Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Hasina, on Thursday.

The twins, who shared critical areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine and lower spinal nerves, underwent a marathon surgery lasting 16 and a half hours. The complex operation was orchestrated by a dedicated team comprising 39 consultants, specialists, technical personnel, nurses and support staff.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, leading the medical team, highlighted the operation's 70 per cent success rate achieved through a meticulous process encompassing nine stages. Notably, the team included Saudi medical professionals, including fresh graduates, underscoring the commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and expertise exchange.

“They are contributing with us to ensure that experience is not limited to certain people, but rather continues for years to come in a country where achievement is constant and giving is permanent,” he added.

This groundbreaking surgery marks the 60th operation conducted by the Saudi program for separating conjoined twins, which, over the past 34 years, has provided specialized care to 135 sets of twins hailing from 25 countries.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah emphasized Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in humanitarian and medical endeavours, aligned with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. He expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their steadfast support and leadership in advancing healthcare initiatives.

In heartfelt gratitude, the twins' parents extended their appreciation to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, lauding the Kingdom's significant humanitarian contributions. The successful separation of Hassana and Hasina serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia's medical prowess and its unwavering dedication to global healthcare advancement.