Foetal Surgery At Corniche Hospital Delivers Hope For Identical Twins In Abu Dhabi

Specialists at Corniche Hospital, part of SEHA under PureHealth, have reported a complex foetal medicine success involving identical twins. The team managed two rare complications in one pregnancy and achieved a healthy birth. The case illustrates how advanced foetal surgery and coordinated care can now be delivered within the UAE healthcare system.

The identical twins faced severe Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome and later Twin Anaemia-Polycythaemia Sequence. Both complications threatened heart function, blood balance and survival before birth. Corniche Hospital used fetoscopic laser surgery, followed by intrauterine blood transfusion, then arranged a scheduled delivery at 33 weeks by caesarean section.

SEHA operates as a subsidiary of PureHealth, which is described as the largest healthcare group in the Middle East. Within this network, Corniche Hospital functions as a major referral centre for maternity and foetal medicine. The successful twin case is presented as evidence of SEHA’s focus on advanced, life-saving care for mothers and babies.

The situation began with a diagnosis of severe Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome in an identical twin pregnancy sharing one placenta. In TTTS, abnormal blood vessel links allow blood to move unevenly between the twins. One twin receives excess blood, while the co-twin becomes deprived, raising the risk of heart failure, anaemia or death for both.

To stabilise the pregnancy, the foetal medicine team carried out fetoscopic laser surgery inside the uterus. Surgeons used a fetoscope to visualise the shared placenta and seal the abnormal vessel connections. This procedure aimed to separate the blood circulation between the twins and reduce the immediate risk of further deterioration.

Five weeks after the laser procedure, the pregnancy developed a second complication called Twin Anaemia-Polycythaemia Sequence. TAPS can appear in about 13% of pregnancies following laser treatment for TTTS. In TAPS, one twin becomes dangerously anaemic, while the other develops polycythaemia, meaning too many red blood cells, which disrupts circulation.

When TAPS emerged, the team at Corniche Hospital performed an intrauterine blood transfusion to correct the severe anaemia. Clinicians also monitored and stabilised the condition of the mother and both foetuses. After maternal-foetal status improved, the twins were delivered at 33 weeks by a planned caesarean section and were reported healthy.

Dr. Werner Gerhard Diehl, Chair of the Department of Foetal Medicine at Corniche Hospital, noted, "This marvellous case demonstrates the extraordinary potential of foetal medicine to save lives in the most complicated twin pregnancies. Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a serious condition which affects identical twins who share a placenta and can become life threatening to both babies if not treated. Twin Anaemia-Polycythaemia Sequence (TAPS) is a rare complication after laser for TTTS, where one twin has anaemia and the other is polycythaemic, which is also problematic. Because of our amazing team and modern techniques, we were able to intervene effectively and change a likely tragic outcome into one of hope. This case showcases the foetal surgery capabilities in the UAE and our dedication to ensuring families have access to world-class care whenever possible."

Dr. Gareth James Waring, Consultant Physician - Foetal Medicine & Imaging at Corniche Hospital, added: "This achievement is a milestone for foetal medicine in the UAE. Managing severe TTTS followed by TAPS in one pregnancy requires both precision and multidisciplinary expertise. The healthy delivery of these twins shows families that the most advanced interventions are now available locally, without the need to travel abroad."

The twin case strengthens Corniche Hospital’s position as a reference centre for advanced foetal medicine in the UAE. It also supports SEHA’s strategy to expand complex maternal and foetal services within the country. For business and healthcare stakeholders, the case highlights growing local capability to manage rare, high-risk pregnancies without overseas referral.

With inputs from WAM