Successful separation surgery of Tanzanian twins Nancy and Nice in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved another medical milestone, adding to its impressive record, with the official announcement of the successful separation of Tanzanian conjoined twins , Nancy and Nice. The specialized medical and surgical team from the Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins successfully completed this complex surgery, which lasted approximately 16 and a half hours. The operation was performed at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, affiliated with the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh, bringing a happy end to the girls' suffering and giving them the opportunity for a normal and independent life.
Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and Head of the Medical and Surgical Team, explained that this success was achieved thanks to God and then to the efforts of national medical professionals. He noted that the surgery was performed in 10 delicate stages, with the participation of 35 consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical staff from various disciplines, including anesthesia, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, pediatric urology, and orthopedics. This high level of coordination ensured the utmost precision and safety throughout all stages of the operation. The two girls were conjoined at the lower chest, abdomen, and pelvis, sharing a liver, large intestine, and urinary and reproductive systems, in addition to having a third, malformed lower limb.
A long history precedes the separation of the Tanzanian twins
This achievement was not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of a long history of medical and humanitarian contributions. The Saudi Program for Conjoined Twins is one of the world's leading medical programs, with a history spanning over 35 years. During these decades, the program has covered 28 countries worldwide, studying and evaluating 157 cases from various continents. This surgery is the third of its kind for twins from the United Republic of Tanzania and the 71st in the program's series of successful operations. This medical legacy reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing advanced healthcare for complex humanitarian cases, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, making Riyadh the premier destination of hope for families facing this rare medical challenge.
Humanitarian dimensions and medical leadership of the Kingdom
The success of this surgery carries immense significance that extends far beyond the operating room, leaving a profound impact both regionally and internationally. Domestically, this achievement underscores the efficiency of the Saudi healthcare system and the capability of national medical professionals to handle the most complex medical cases, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading global medical center. Internationally, these humanitarian initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia's soft power and its pioneering role in relief and humanitarian work. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, on behalf of the medical team, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for their generous support and direct oversight of the program.
At the conclusion of this remarkable medical journey, the family of the Tanzanian twins expressed their profound gratitude to the Saudi leadership for the exceptional medical care and generous hospitality. They commended the extraordinary efforts of the medical team in ensuring the surgery's success, affirming that the Kingdom had granted their daughters a new lease on life and hope for a brighter future.
