Separation Surgery Begins For Somali Conjoined Twins Rahma And Ramla In Riyadh
The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has started a complex separation surgery for the Somali twins Rahma and Ramla in Riyadh. The operation follows directives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The medical and surgical team is led by Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah. The procedure is taking place at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, with extensive planning and specialist support.
Dr. Al Rabeeah stated that Rahma and Ramla are 13 months old and of Somali nationality. The twins had arrived in the Kingdom earlier for assessment by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program. They are joined at the lower abdomen and pelvis, and each child has two fully formed lower limbs.
Detailed imaging and clinical tests showed shared and overlapping internal organs. The twins share one colon and rectum, and there is overlapping within the urinary and reproductive systems. The pelvis is also shared through a common pelvic bone. These findings followed a series of specialised examinations and intensive multidisciplinary meetings.
The kidneys present one of the most serious challenges in this case. According to Dr. Al Rabeeah, Ramla has complete atrophy of both kidneys with total renal failure and will need immediate dialysis after separation. Rahma has complete atrophy of the left kidney and cysts in the right kidney, which is functioning but needs close monitoring after surgery.
To manage the complexity, the separation surgery has been designed in several structured steps. The plan includes eight stages over an estimated 14 hours. Around 36 consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical staff are involved, covering anesthesia, pediatric surgery, pediatric urology surgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Shared organs | Colon, rectum, parts of urinary and reproductive systems, pelvic bone |
| Planned stages | Eight surgical stages |
| Estimated duration | Approximately 14 hours |
| Medical team | 36 consultants, specialists, nursing and technical staff |
| Estimated risk rate | 40% |
Dr. Al Rabeeah explained that the expected risk rate is about 40%, given the shared organs and kidney failure. The team has prepared through repeated consultations and careful planning to reduce complications. The procedure reflects ongoing efforts by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program to manage complex conjoined twin cases under the Kingdom’s humanitarian initiatives.
With inputs from SPA
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