The condition of the Somali twins Rahma and Ramla is stable after the separation surgery
A new medical and humanitarian achievement in the Kingdom
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 and Surgical Team for the Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins, announced that the condition of Somali twins Rahma and Ramla is stable. This promising announcement came four days after their successful and complex separation surgery at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, in Riyadh.
Updates on the health condition of twins Rahma and Ramla
Regarding the twin, Rahma, Dr. Al-Rabeeah explained that her condition has improved significantly; her breathing has returned to normal. This positive improvement prompted the medical team to remove the ventilator and feeding tubes. Rahma is now breathing independently without any external intervention, and all her vital signs are stable. She is expected to begin breastfeeding within the next two days, paving the way for her discharge from the intensive care unit in the coming days.
As for the twin sister, Ramla, the medical team explained that she remains on a ventilator due to the incomplete development of her urinary system and kidney atrophy, requiring her to undergo hemodialysis to remove excess fluid from her body. Despite these challenges, Dr. Al-Rabeeah confirmed that Ramla's condition is stable, thanks to God, and her surgical situation is very reassuring. It is expected that she will be taken off the ventilator soon, while continuing intermittent dialysis as needed, and gradually starting oral feeding, similar to her sister.
Behind the scenes and details of the delicate surgical procedure
The successful separation of Somali twins Rahma and Ramla marks the 68th achievement in the Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins. The operation, performed last Thursday, involved eight delicate stages and lasted 12 hours of continuous, painstaking work. A team of 36 consultants, specialists, nurses, and technicians participated in this significant medical accomplishment, representing various disciplines including anesthesia, pediatric surgery, pediatric urology, orthopedics, and plastic surgery.
The Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins: A History of Humanity
The Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins, launched in 1990, represents a landmark in the history of modern medicine internationally. The program's role has extended beyond providing exceptional medical care; it has become a humanitarian bridge connecting Saudi Arabia with the world. The program has evaluated more than 130 cases from over 25 countries worldwide, reflecting the Kingdom's deep commitment to humanitarian work and providing assistance to those in need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality.
Regional and international impact of Saudi medical efforts
This operation is an extension of the relief and humanitarian efforts led by the Kingdom through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Providing this advanced medical care to countries facing challenges in their healthcare systems, such as our sister nation of Somalia, directly contributes to alleviating human suffering and enhances the Kingdom's position as a leading soft power in the field of global humanitarian work, in line with Islamic values and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Gradual medical rehabilitation and future steps
Dr. Al-Rabeeah concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the twins' overall condition is very reassuring and that there are no worrying signs for the medical team. The girls are scheduled to remain in intensive care for an additional 3 to 5 days, after which they will be transferred to the pediatric ward to begin a gradual rehabilitation program to ensure their full recovery and return to normal life.
