A team of Saudi medical professionals has successfully separated Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina, at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.
The surgery was done under the directive of the custodians of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Done on Thursday, February 29, the complex procedure involved 38 medical experts, including consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff, who worked for about 14 hours in nine stages.
The surgery addressed the twins’ shared areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves.
The head of the medical team, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, who is also the Advisor at the Royal Court and the Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), said the surgery had a 70% success rate. He praised the Saudi leadership for their support and generosity.
He said: “This is a momentous occasion that showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing medical science and providing compassionate healthcare globally. The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian causes and its role as a leader in global healthcare.”
The surgery marks the 60th operation performed by the Saudi program for separating conjoined twins, which has provided care for 135 conjoined twins from 25 countries over the past 34 years.
The Press Attaché at the Saudi embassy in Abuja, Mohammed Alsahabi, also commented on the achievement, saying: “This remarkable feat highlights the close collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in the field of healthcare. We are proud to have played a part in improving the lives of these twins and their family.”
