The separation surgery for Tanzanian twins Nancy and Nice has begun in Saudi Arabia
Complex surgery begins 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 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the specialized medical and surgical team began the separation surgery this morning for the Tanzanian conjoined twins, Nancy and Nice, at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, Riyadh. The twins are one year and six months old, and this operation marks another milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's long list of humanitarian and medical achievements.
Historical background of the Saudi program for separating conjoined twins
The Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins, launched in 1990, is one of the Kingdom's most prominent humanitarian projects. For over three decades, the program has gained international renown thanks to its extensive expertise and outstanding results. To date, the program has studied and evaluated more than 157 cases from 28 countries worldwide and successfully performed dozens of complex surgeries, giving new life to children and their families. This program embodies the Kingdom's leading role in humanitarian work and providing advanced medical assistance to those in need around the world, regardless of their race or religion, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as an influential force in humanitarian diplomacy.
Details of the medical condition and stages of the operation
His Excellency 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 twins, Nancy and Nice, recently arrived in the Kingdom and underwent thorough and comprehensive medical examinations. The results showed that the twins are conjoined at the lower chest, abdomen, and pelvis, sharing a liver, intestines, urinary and reproductive systems. Each has one lower limb, and they share a third, malformed lower limb. Based on these findings, the medical team decided to perform the surgery in ten stages, which is expected to take approximately 16 hours. A large team of 35 consultants, specialists, nurses, and technicians from various disciplines, including anesthesia, pediatric surgery, urology, orthopedics, and plastic surgery, will participate in this delicate procedure.
Humanitarian and international importance and impact
This operation is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, it is a further testament to the exceptional capabilities of the Saudi healthcare system and the world-class expertise of its medical professionals. Internationally, these initiatives enhance the Kingdom's positive image as a nation committed to humanitarian work and strengthen its ties with friendly countries, including the United Republic of Tanzania, from which this case represents the third such instance. The success of such operations not only gives hope to the children involved but also solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading global center for conjoined twin separation surgeries, adding to the program's already impressive record, which is considered a landmark in the history of modern medicine.
