Life-Changing Surgery For Filipino Conjoined Twins In Riyadh

Filipino conjoined twins Ayeesha and Akhizah are set to undergo a separation surgery today under the Saudi conjoined twins program. This initiative follows directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The procedure, expected to last 7.5 hours, will be performed at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh.

The complex surgery will involve over 20 medical and clinical staff members, led by Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and a distinguished pediatric surgeon. Ayeesha and Akhizah were born in Davao del Sur, Philippines, conjoined at the abdomen (thoraco-omphalopagus). Despite their condition, they are active and healthy girls.

Their journey began when their case was referred to KSrelief by the Mercy Islamic Foundation in the Philippines. On , Ayeesha and Akhizah, accompanied by their mother and grandmother, arrived in Riyadh via MediVac. Ayeesha was also born with a cleft palate, which will be corrected after she recovers from the separation surgery. The Saudi government will cover all costs associated with the girls' surgery and recovery.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Al Rabeeah explained that the 16-month-old twins are conjoined at the lower chest and abdomen, sharing a liver. They have a combined weight of 18 kilograms, each with a complete set of upper and lower limbs. After reviewing their condition, the medical team determined that a successful separation is achievable.

Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership for their unwavering support of the program. He extended his best wishes for a successful surgery, aiming for the twins' safe return home to a brighter future.

Ayeesha and Akhizah will be the 61st pair separated by the program's team and the second pair from the Philippines; the first pair, Ann and May, were separated on , and now live healthy lives. Since its inception in 1990, the program has reviewed cases for 136 twins from 26 countries.

The Saudi conjoined twins program continues to make significant strides in paediatric surgery, offering hope to families worldwide. The successful separation of Ayeesha and Akhizah would mark another milestone in this humanitarian initiative.

With inputs from SPA