Saudi Medical Team Successfully Separates Filipino Conjoined Twins after Six-Hour Surgery

A specialized medical team in Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully separating Filipino conjoined twins, Olivia and Gianna. The complex six-hour operation took place at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.

Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, head of the surgical team and Advisor to the Royal Court, announced the successful separation, attributing it to divine will and the collective efforts of the medical staff. The procedure required the expertise of 22 consultants, specialists, and support staff to ensure the highest standards of precision and safety.

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Thanks to Allah Almighty and the efforts of my colleagues on the medical and surgical team, the separation of the Filipino twins Olivia and Gianna was successfully completed six hours after the operation began.

The twins were joined at the chest and abdomen, sharing a liver and potentially parts of their intestines. One twin also presented with congenital heart defects, adding complexity and risk to the surgery. This successful separation is the fourth such procedure for the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme (SCTP) involving twins from the Philippines.

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The twins were joined at the chest and abdomen and shared a liver and possibly part of the intestines, pointing out that one of the twins also suffered from congenital heart defects that posed a significant health risk.

The SCTP has a 35-year history, having performed 72 separation surgeries across 28 countries on five continents and evaluating 158 cases globally. Dr. Al Rabeeah highlighted that this achievement reflects the Kingdom's humanitarian commitment and its dedication to advancing medical excellence, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance the healthcare sector.

The twins' family expressed profound gratitude to the Saudi leadership and the medical team for the high-quality care and the successful operation, which offers the children a chance at a healthier life. The success further solidifies Saudi Arabia's position in humanitarian and medical work.

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This medical achievement reflects the humanitarian commitment of the Kingdom's leadership and its dedication to providing assistance to people wherever they may be.