In a historic medical feat, a team of Saudi medical professionals has accomplished the separation surgery of Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina, at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.
The directive for this landmark achievement came from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reports AFP.
The intricate procedure, which commenced yesterday morning, was the result of meticulous planning and execution by a dedicated team of 38 medical experts, including consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff.
Lasting approximately 14 hours, the surgery unfolded in nine carefully planned stages, addressing shared areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves of the twins.
The Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and head of the medical team, Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, expressed confidence in the success of the procedure, citing a 70% success rate.
“This is a momentous occasion that showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing medical science and providing compassionate healthcare globally,” he said.
The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina marks the 60th operation undertaken by the Saudi program for separating conjoined twins, a program that has provided care for 135 conjoined twins from 25 countries over the past 34 years.
Dr. Al Rabeeah extended heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support of the program.
He said, “The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian causes and its role as a leader in global healthcare.”
On his part, the Press Attaché at the Saudi embassy in Abuja, Mohammed Alsahabi, commented on the achievement, stating, “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.”
The separation of Hassana and Husaina signifies not only a medical triumph but also a symbol of hope for countless others facing similar challenges worldwide.
