Saudi Surgical Team Successfully Separates Egyptian Siamese Twins After Complex 17-Hour Surgery
In a remarkable medical achievement, a Saudi surgical team has successfully separated Egyptian Siamese twins, Salma and Sarah, who were joined at the head area. The complex surgery, which lasted for 17 hours, began at 8 am on Wednesday and involved the participation of 31 consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff from anesthesia, neurosurgery, pediatric, cosmetic, and pediatric surgery specialties.
According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, the head of the medical and surgical team in charge of the separation operation, revealed that the twins arrived in the Kingdom on November 23, 2021. Accurate medical examinations conducted by the medical team revealed that the twins were involved in the brain and venous sinuses around the brain.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah further explained that the surgical team, led by Dr. Mutasem Al-Zoubi from pediatric neurosurgery, Dr. Muhammad Al-Fouzan from plastic surgery, and Dr. Nizar Al-Zoghaibi from pediatric anesthesia, decided to perform the separation operation in four separate stages over several weeks to months. The main objective was to separate the brain and the common venous sinuses.
During the course of the treatment, the twins underwent three skin stretching operations by plastic surgery. The four separation operations, including the final one that lasted for 17 hours, took a total of approximately 57 hours. Dr. Al-Zoubi highlighted the complexity of the involvement in the adhesion area, particularly the location of the venous sinuses. This necessitated the surgical team to perform the operation in four separate stages over the past few months to ensure the safety of the twins.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah also mentioned the remarkable achievements of the Saudi program for separating conjoined twins over the past 33 years. The program has provided care for 130 Siamese twins from 23 countries. The recent operation, which marks the 57th procedure conducted by the program, is considered one of the largest international scientific experiences in this delicate specialty.
The successful separation of Salma and Sarah brings hope and joy to their family and serves as a testament to the expertise and dedication of the Saudi medical team. This groundbreaking achievement further solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in the field of complex medical procedures and highlights the country’s commitment to providing advanced healthcare services to patients from around the world.
How did the multidisciplinary approach and collaboration of experts from various specialties contribute to the successful outcome of the separation surgery in Riyadh
In Saudi Arabia from Egypt on May 2019. The separation surgery took place at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah explained that the team utilized advanced medical equipment and technology throughout the procedure to ensure a successful outcome. He also highlighted the importance of the multidisciplinary approach, with experts from various specialties working together to address the unique challenges of separating conjoined twins joined at the head.
The surgery involved separating major blood vessels and shared brain membranes. The team carefully navigated delicate tissue to ensure the twins’ safety. Dr. Al-Rabeeah emphasized the significance of preoperative planning, which involved detailed imaging and simulations to determine the precise steps required during the operation.
The successful separation was the result of extensive coordination and collaboration among the medical team. Dr. Al-Rabeeah expressed his gratitude for the dedication and expertise of all involved, emphasizing that their skills had been instrumental in the achievement.
Following the surgery, both Salma and Sarah are in stable condition and will continue to receive comprehensive postoperative care. Dr. Al-Rabeeah assured that the medical team would closely monitor their progress and provide ongoing support throughout their recovery process.
The successful separation of Salma and Sarah marks a significant milestone in the field of pediatric surgery. It stands as a testament to the advancements in medical technology and the remarkable skills and expertise of the Saudi medical team. This achievement offers hope to families with conjoined twins and highlights the potential for life-changing surgeries in the future.
This is an extraordinary achievement showcasing the exceptional skills and dedication of the Saudi surgical team. Their success in carrying out a complex separation surgery for the Egyptian Siamese twins is truly commendable. Hats off to these remarkable doctors for changing the lives of these twins and giving them a chance at a brighter future.