Somali Conjoined Twins Rahma And Ramla Successfully Separated In 12-Hour Riyadh Procedure

The Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme has successfully separated Somali conjoined twins Rahma and Ramla after a complex 12-hour surgery in Riyadh. The operation took place on Thursday at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, marking a new achievement for Saudi Arabia’s specialised paediatric surgical services.

The intricate procedure was divided into eight distinct stages. It involved 36 consultants, specialists and technical staff from several disciplines, including anesthesia, pediatric surgery, urology, orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery. They were supported by a large nursing and technical team, which worked together to ensure the twins’ safety throughout the long operation.

Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and head of the programme’s surgical and multidisciplinary team Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah said the separation of Rahma and Ramla represents the 68th successful operation completed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme. These figures underline the programme’s sustained activity in complex surgical care.

Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah explained that over the last 35 years, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme has provided medical care for 156 conjoined twins originating from 28 countries. This record, according to Al Rabeeah, reflects Saudi Arabia’s prominent role in international humanitarian and medical work, with patients arriving from multiple regions.

Al Rabeeah stressed that the programme’s outcomes demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian values and to offering medical support to individuals worldwide. Al Rabeeah expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their constant backing of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme.

He added that a series of similar medical successes confirms Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian and medical leadership at both regional and international levels. Al Rabeeah praised the dedication of all medical and surgical teams whose work led to this latest achievement, noting that the efforts were carried out in the name of the Saudi people.

Al Rabeeah congratulated the family of Rahma and Ramla on the safe outcome of the operation and prayed for the twins’ continued health and recovery. The parents thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for the specialised treatment provided, commended the hospitality and humanitarian care received in the Kingdom, and wished Saudi Arabia lasting stability and prosperity.

With inputs from SPA