The separation surgery for Tanzanian conjoined twins Nancy and Nice has begun in Riyadh
In accordance with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect them, the separation surgery for the Tanzanian conjoined twins , Nancy and Nice, commenced this morning. This delicate and complex surgery is being performed at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital, located within King Abdulaziz Medical City of the Ministry of National Guard in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, under the leadership of a specialized medical and surgical team from the Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins.
Medical details of the separation of the Tanzanian conjoined twins
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and Head of the Medical and Surgical Team, explained that the twins, aged one year and six months, underwent a series of thorough medical examinations since their arrival in the Kingdom on January 27th. The results showed that the twins share sensitive areas including the lower chest, abdomen, and pelvis. They also share a liver, large intestine, and anus, in addition to the urinary and reproductive systems, with a shared malformation of the external genitalia. Each child has one lower limb, while they share a third, malformed lower limb, making the surgical intervention extremely delicate.
Stages of microsurgery and participating medical staff
This complex surgery is scheduled to be performed in ten consecutive stages and is expected to take approximately 16 continuous hours, God willing. A select team of 35 consultants and specialists, along with nursing and technical staff, will participate in this major medical undertaking. The team's specialties include anesthesia, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, pediatric urology, pediatric orthopedics, and other supporting specialties. Dr. Al-Rabeeah reassured everyone that the success rate of the operation exceeds 60%, God willing, which inspires hope and optimism.
The Kingdom's leadership in humanitarian and medical work globally
The Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins dates back to 1990, establishing a solid foundation that has made the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a leading global destination in this rare medical specialty. Over the past three decades, Saudi medical expertise has accumulated to achieve remarkable successes, with the program having cared for 157 conjoined twins from 28 countries across five continents. This long history reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare and developing human capital in the most challenging surgical fields, making it a recognized international authority in the global medical community.
Dimensions of the achievement and its regional and international impact
The impact of this program extends beyond the medical field, embodying the Kingdom's soft power and its leading humanitarian role at both the regional and international levels. Receiving complex cases from around the world and providing them with comprehensive, free care reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a capital of humanity. This operation, the third of its kind for twins from the friendly Republic of Tanzania, marks the 71st such procedure in the program's history. This ongoing achievement strengthens bilateral relations between countries and sends a global message of peace and solidarity, affirming that the Kingdom dedicates its advanced medical capabilities to serving all of humanity without discrimination.
In closing, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, on his own behalf and on behalf of the entire medical team, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for their generous support, keen interest, and diligent follow-up on the program. He prayed to God Almighty that these efforts would be crowned with complete success and that the Tanzanian twins would be granted health and well-being so they could return safely to their homeland, thus marking a new chapter in the long history of Saudi Arabia's generous contributions.
