Nigerian conjoined twins separated in Saudi Arabia

A team of medical doctors at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, has successfully completed the separation surgery of Nigerian  conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina.

A statement by the Press Attache at the Saudi embassy in Abuja yesterday, Mohammed Alsahabi, said the operation which was conducted on Thursday after a 14 hours’ surgery was conducted following the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Alsahabi said the procedure, which began on Thursday morning, marked the culmination of meticulous planning and execution by a dedicated team of medical professionals. 

He said, “The twins, who arrived in Riyadh on October 31, 2023, underwent comprehensive examinations that revealed shared areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves.”

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He explained that the surgical intervention unfolded in nine planned stages with a team comprising 38 consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff specializing in anesthesia, pediatric surgery, urology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and pediatric neurosurgery to ensure the success of the complex operation.

“This surgical milestone marked the 60th operation undertaken by the Saudi program for separating Siamese twins, a program that has provided care for 135 conjoined twins from 25 countries over the past 34 years.”

“Prior to the commencement of the procedure, Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and head of the medical team, expressed confidence in the success of the procedure, noting a 70% success rate.”

“Dr Al Rabeeah extended heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for its unwavering support of the program. The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing medical science and extending compassionate healthcare on a global scale,” the statement said.