Successful separation of Tanzanian twins in Saudi Arabia in a complex operation

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 Tanzanian conjoined twins Nancy and Nice, following a marathon and complex surgery that lasted 16 and a half hours. The operation was performed at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

The Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins: Global Leadership and Humanitarian Giving

This success is part of a series of achievements by the Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins, which was launched in 1990 and is one of the largest specialized programs in this field worldwide. For over three decades, the program has brought joy to hundreds of families around the globe. The medical team has studied more than 157 cases from 28 countries, with 71 successful separation surgeries. The program's role extends beyond the medical field; it represents a humanitarian mission reflecting the Kingdom's leading role in charitable and relief work, thanks to the unwavering support of its wise leadership.

Details of the surgical procedure and its challenges

Dr. Al-Rabeeah described the operation as extremely complex, as the twins, Nancy and Nice, were conjoined at the lower chest, abdomen, and pelvis. They shared a liver and large intestine, as well as an anus and urinary and reproductive systems. They also had a shared, malformed third lower limb. The operation required ten meticulous stages and involved a large medical team of 35 consultants, specialists, nurses, and technicians, encompassing multiple specialties such as anesthesia, pediatric surgery, urology, orthopedics, and plastic surgery, to ensure the highest standards of precision and safety.

Dimensions of the achievement: Enhancing the Kingdom's medical and humanitarian standing

The impact of this achievement extends beyond the medical sphere, carrying significant strategic and humanitarian dimensions. Domestically, this success underscores the advanced level of healthcare in the Kingdom and reinforces its position as a leading medical hub in the region, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for developing the health sector. Internationally, these humanitarian initiatives bolster the Kingdom's soft power and solidify its image as a generous nation that dedicates its resources to serving humanity, thereby strengthening diplomatic and public ties with countries around the world and offering renewed hope to families facing complex medical conditions.

Thanks and appreciation

At the conclusion of the procedure, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, on his own behalf and on behalf of the medical team, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, for their generous support of the program. For their part, the twins' parents expressed their profound gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership and the medical team for this noble humanitarian gesture, which gave their daughters the opportunity to begin a new and independent life.