Saudi Team Commences Separation Surgery of Conjoined Twin in Riyadh
In accordance with the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the medical and surgical team assigned to the Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins began an intricate procedure this morning aimed at separating the conjoined Egyptian twins, Mohamed Abdulrahman Gomaa, who are currently seven months and twenty-eight days old. This surgery is being conducted at the King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital within the Health Affairs of the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh.
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, adviser to the Royal Court and head of the medical team, provided insights during a press briefing. He revealed that the twins arrived in the Kingdom in March this year. Upon their admission to the King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, the medical team performed essential examinations. These assessments revealed that one of the twins was physiologically fused to Mohamed, specifically at the back, lower chest, abdomen, and pelvis areas.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah shared critical information regarding the condition of the parasitic twin, indicating that it does not possess vital life-supporting organs such as a heart, nor does it have a properly developed brain. Furthermore, severe congenital malformations render it incapable of sustaining life, with notable deficiencies in kidney formation, urinary and reproductive systems, and significant intestinal issues. This information was communicated to the twins’ parents to ensure they understood the dire situation.
The surgical procedure is designed to occur in six meticulous stages, anticipated to span approximately eleven hours. This complex operation will involve a multidisciplinary team of twenty-six experts, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatric specialists, and other supporting healthcare professionals. Dr. Al-Rabeeah emphasized the delicate nature of this surgery, noting that the success rate is projected to exceed seventy percent, thanks to the team’s expertise.
The primary challenge the medical teams face lies in the shared spinal cord channel between the twins. To navigate this difficulty, advanced techniques such as neurophysiological monitoring and microsurgery will be employed to ensure precision during the operation.
Remarkably, this procedure marks the sixty-third case recorded by the Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins, which has evaluated a total of 149 cases from 27 countries since its inception in 1990. Dr. Al-Rabeeah expressed profound gratitude, on behalf of himself and his colleagues, to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continuous support of the program. He asserted that this backing allows the medical team to deliver optimal healthcare and enhance the quality of life for the children and their families involved.
Furthermore, he highlighted the program’s commitment to progressing its medical protocols and sharing knowledge with healthcare professionals both domestically and internationally. This effort aims to expand the humanitarian impact of the program and further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for medical excellence, particularly in the field of conjoined twins and other critical areas.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah concluded by expressing hopes for the success of this procedure and appreciation for the tireless efforts of his colleagues engaged in this noble humanitarian project, invoking blessings on the endeavors led by the wise leadership of the Kingdom.
