Conjoined twins successfully separated after 15-hour surgery in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Eritrean conjoined twins Asma and Someya, who were born fused at the head, have been successfully separated by a team of Saudi medical experts at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.

The groundbreaking surgery marked a major milestone in the Kingdom’s renowned Conjoined Twins Program.

Eritrean twins Asma and Someya, who were born conjoined at the head, have been successfully separated by a team of Saudi medical experts at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. The groundbreaking surgery marked a major milestone in the Kingdom’s renowned Conjoined Twins Program.

The 15-and-a-half-hour operation brought together 36 experts and consultants from various medical fields. It was carried out under the direction of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. This is the 64th successful separation completed as part of the surgery program, which is internationally recognized for its expertise.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabiah, head of the surgical team and Superintendent General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), said that over the past 35 years, the program has reviewed 149 cases from 27 different countries. He highlighted that this achievement reflects the Kingdom’s modern healthcare system and the dedication of its medical workforce.

The surgery relies heavily on advanced technology, including neuronavigation systems and surgical microscopes, to ensure accuracy and reduce risk. Dr. Mutassim Azoubi, a pediatric neurosurgery consultant and head of the pediatric neurosurgery department, explained that thorough examinations confirmed that the twins’ skull bones, brain linings and major blood vessels were shared. The procedure was performed in multiple stages, including three interventional radiology sessions to safely block the shared arteries and veins.

Several months before the final surgery, the pediatric plastic surgery team had implanted tissue expanders to gradually stretch the twins’ skin, allowing for proper closure after separation.

The twins’ family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Saudi leadership and medical team, praising the kingdom’s exceptional care and generosity. The family acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s global humanitarian efforts and commitment to saving lives across borders, saying, “We are truly grateful for the warmth and professionalism shown to us during our time here.”