Saudi medical team successfully separates Fijian conjoined twins after 12-hour surgery

The medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has achieved a new milestone by successfully separating the Fijian conjoined twins, Jusbili and Desisya, following a 12-hour and 45-minute operation at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh.

Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, advisor at the Royal Court, supervisor general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and head of the medical and surgical team, explained that the procedure was carried out in nine stages, involving 34 consultants, specialists, technical staff, and nurses from various medical fields.

Operation details

Dr. Al Rabeeah noted that the twins were joined at the abdomen and pelvis, sharing the liver, intestines, colon, anus, urinary and reproductive systems, and pelvic bone, which required meticulous preparation and a multidisciplinary team.

He added that this was the first operation of its kind for conjoined twins from the Republic of Fiji and marked the 74th procedure under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program. The program, with a history spanning over 35 years, has covered 28 countries across five continents and has reviewed 159 cases of conjoined twins from around the world.

Praise for support and efforts

Dr. Al Rabeeah emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this field is the result of strong support from the country’s leadership. On behalf of the team, he extended gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous backing of the program.

Meanwhile, the family of the Fijian twins expressed their appreciation to the Saudi leadership and the medical team for the advanced care and efforts that ensured the success of the operation and the safety of the twins.