Successful separation of conjoined Filipino twins in Saudi Arabia after a complex surgery
A new global medical achievement for the Kingdom
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 Maurice Ann, following a complex and delicate surgery that lasted approximately 13 hours. The operation was performed on Thursday at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh, with the participation of a multidisciplinary team comprising leading Saudi experts.
Details of the delicate surgical procedure
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 the operation was a complete success, thanks to God. He noted that the surgery, which began with anesthesia, involved several delicate stages, including separating the skull and shared veins, culminating in the reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. More than 30 consultants, specialists, nurses, and technicians from various disciplines, such as anesthesia, pediatric neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and intensive care, participated in this surgical marathon, ensuring the highest standards of precision and safety for the two girls.
A history full of human achievements
This success is the latest in a long line of achievements by the Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins, which was launched in 1990. For over three decades, the program has become a global leader in this rare and complex medical field, having performed more than 70 successful separation surgeries on twins from 27 countries worldwide and studied over 157 cases. This particular operation, the third of its kind for twins from the Philippines, reflects the significant international confidence in Saudi expertise. The program is distinguished by its humanitarian dimension, with all operations being carried out under the direct guidance and patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who are deeply committed to humanitarian work around the world.
Humanitarian and diplomatic dimensions
The importance of these operations extends beyond the medical field, forming a significant pillar of the Kingdom's humanitarian diplomacy. By hosting and treating complex cases from around the world free of charge, the Kingdom sends a message of love and peace, reaffirming its leading role in global humanitarian work. This success reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leading medical center, possessing cutting-edge technologies and highly qualified personnel capable of handling the most complex medical cases. For their part, the twins' family expressed their profound gratitude to the Saudi leadership and the medical team for the exceptional care the twins received, emphasizing that this humanitarian gesture will remain etched in their memories.
