Details of the surgery to completely separate the Filipino conjoined twins, Maurice Ann
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 specialized medical and surgical team began the separation surgery for the conjoined Filipino twins , Clea and Morris Ann, this morning, Thursday. This historic operation is being performed at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard, in Riyadh, amidst widespread local and international attention and interest in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's pioneering humanitarian role.
Details of the complex health condition of the twins “Clea and Maurice Anne”
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 Filipino twins, Clea and Maurice Ann, arrived in the Kingdom on May 17, 2025. Upon their arrival, they underwent a series of thorough and multiple medical examinations, and the medical team held several meetings to carefully study their case. The diagnostic studies concluded that this is one of the most complex and challenging cases in the world, due to the numerous intricate physiological and anatomical factors shared by the two girls.
Medical challenges in the separation surgery of conjoined Filipino twins
The extreme difficulty of this surgery lies in the highly complex angular position of the head, extensive involvement of the cerebral venous sinuses, and significant overlap of brain tissue between the two girls. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that the girl, Kalia, suffers from heart failure and severe kidney atrophy with complete renal failure, significantly increasing the surgical risk during the procedure. The surgical team, led by Dr. Mu'tasim Al-Zu'bi, a consultant in pediatric neurosurgery, will perform the operation in five consecutive stages. A team of 30 senior consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical staff from the fields of anesthesia, intensive care, advanced radiology, and plastic surgery will participate. The surgery is expected to last 24 continuous hours, with a risk level of up to 50%, requiring meticulous attention to avoid any neurological complications that could lead to disability in up to 60% of cases.
Saudi Arabia's medical leadership and the humanitarian dimensions of the event
This operation holds immense significance, extending beyond the local medical sphere to broader humanitarian and international horizons. The success of such complex procedures solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global authority in the field of separating conjoined twins and reflects the tremendous development witnessed by the Saudi healthcare sector in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. These initiatives also highlight the Kingdom's shining humanitarian side, placing human life and health above all else, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, thus enhancing its soft power and international presence as a beacon of global relief and humanitarian work.
The Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins: A Long Journey of Giving
marks separation surgery of Filipino conjoined twins the 70th such operation performed by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program since its inception in 1990. For over three decades, the program has successfully provided exceptional medical care and comprehensive evaluation to approximately 157 conjoined twins from 28 different countries across five continents. This long-standing medical legacy is a testament to the competence of Saudi medical professionals and the ongoing efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to extend a helping hand to those in need around the world. We pray to God Almighty that this operation will be a complete success and that the twins will return to their families in good health.
