Successful separation of Filipino twins in Riyadh: A Saudi achievement in a complex operation
Successful marathon operation to separate conjoined twins joined at the head
In a medical and humanitarian achievement that adds to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's distinguished record, the specialized medical and surgical team announced the successful separation of Filipino conjoined twins Akila and Morris, who were joined at the head, following a complex 18.5-hour surgery. The operation was performed at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City of the National Guard in Riyadh, in accordance with the directives of the 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.
Details of surgical procedure number 60
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and head of the medical team, explained that this operation is one of the most complex separation surgeries for conjoined twins, and it marks the 60th case successfully handled by the Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins. The operation was performed in several delicate stages, beginning with anesthesia and the separation of shared veins and arteries, followed by the separation of the brain and skull, and concluding with the reconstructive and cosmetic procedures and the closure of the skull. A multidisciplinary team, including leading neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists, and specialized technicians, participated in this surgical marathon.
The Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins: A History of Giving
The Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins, launched in 1990, is a landmark in the history of medicine and humanity worldwide. For over three decades, the program has given hope and a normal life to dozens of families from around the globe. It has studied more than 135 cases from 25 countries and successfully performed 60 separation surgeries, making it one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind globally. The Kingdom covers all expenses for surgeries, treatment, travel, and accommodation for patients and their families, embodying its noble humanitarian mission.
The importance of the event and its international impact
The significance of this success extends beyond its medical achievement; it carries profound diplomatic and humanitarian dimensions. Domestically, this accomplishment enhances the standing of the Saudi healthcare sector and showcases outstanding national talent, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Internationally, this humanitarian endeavor solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading force in humanitarian work and medical diplomacy, and deepens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of the Philippines. Dr. Al-Rabeeah, on his own behalf and on behalf of his colleagues on the medical team, expressed his deepest gratitude to the wise leadership for its unwavering support of the program, which has enabled it to achieve these successive successes and serve humanity everywhere.
