In a remarkable medical achievement, Saudi surgeons have successfully separated Nigerian conjoined twins after a 14-hour operation in Riyadh. The twins, Hassana and Hassina, who were born in Kaduna, Nigeria, on January 12, 2022, shared vital organs including the abdomen, pelvis, liver, intestines, and urinary and reproductive systems.
The highly skilled surgical team, comprising 85 members, carried out the intricate procedure at King Abdullah Specialist Hospital for Children in King Abdulaziz Medical City. Under the directives of King Salman, the team, led by Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, an adviser to the Saudi Royal Court and supervisor general of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KRelief), successfully separated the twins.
The Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, which has been operating for 33 years, has assisted in 130 cases involving conjoined twins from 23 different countries. Hassana and Hassina are now the 56th set of twins to be successfully separated under the program.
Nigeria’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal, expressed profound gratitude for the humanitarian gesture extended to the twins by the custodian of the two holy mosques, the crown prince, and the entire leadership of the kingdom. Lawal conveyed Nigeria’s enduring appreciation for this act of kindness and commended the progress made during the various stages of the twins’ treatment, expressing optimism for successful completion of the remaining stages.
The successful separation of Hassana and Hassina brings hope and joy to their family and serves as a testament to the exceptional expertise and dedication of the Saudi medical team. This significant milestone reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing medical advancements and providing life-changing support to individuals in need.
