Eritrean conjoined twins Asma and Someya, who were born fused at the head, have been successfully separated by a team of Saudi medical experts at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. The groundbreaking surgery marked a major milestone in the Kingdom’s renowned Conjoined Twins Program.
The operation, which took 15 and a half hours, brought together 36 specialists and consultants from various medical fields. It was carried out under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. This surgery is the 64th successful separation completed as part of the program, which is internationally recognized for its expertise.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, head of the surgical team and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), noted that over the past 35 years, the program has evaluated 149 cases from 27 different countries. He highlighted that this achievement reflects the Kingdom’s advanced healthcare system and the dedication of its medical workforce.
The surgery relied heavily on advanced technology, including neuronavigation systems and surgical microscopes, to ensure precision and minimize risk. Dr. Moutasem Azzubi, a pediatric neurosurgery consultant and head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, explained that thorough assessments confirmed the twins shared skull bones, brain linings, and important blood vessels. The procedure was carried out in multiple stages, which included three interventional radiology sessions to safely block shared arteries and veins.
Months before the final surgery, the pediatric plastic surgery team had placed tissue expanders to gradually stretch the twins’ skin, allowing for proper closure after separation.
The twins’ family expressed deep gratitude to the Saudi leadership and the medical team, praising the Kingdom for its exceptional care and generosity. “We are truly grateful for the warmth and professionalism shown to us during our time here,” the family said, acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s global humanitarian efforts and its commitment to saving lives across borders.