Moroccan conjoined twins successfully separated in Riyadh after six-hour surgery

A medical and surgical team from the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program successfully separated Moroccan conjoined twins Saja and Doha today, following a six-hour operation at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser 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 six consecutive stages. The operation involved 23 consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical staff from various disciplines to ensure precision and safety throughout every phase of the surgery.

Surgical procedure details

Dr. Al-Rabeeah noted that the twins were joined at the chest and abdomen, sharing membranes of the heart, liver, and intestines. The operation lasted six continuous hours, during which the shared organs were carefully separated to ensure the safety of both girls.

He added that this marks the fourth successful separation of conjoined twins from Morocco and the 73rd procedure performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has spanned more than 35 years, covered 28 countries, and reviewed 159 cases from around the world—highlighting Saudi Arabia’s leading role in humanitarian and medical fields.

Gratitude and appreciation

On behalf of himself and the team, Dr. Al-Rabeeah expressed thanks and appreciation to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their generous support of the program, affirming that Saudi Arabia has become a distinguished global center in this field.

The family of the Moroccan twins also conveyed their gratitude to the King and Crown Prince for the exceptional medical care provided, and praised the efforts of the medical team in ensuring the operation’s success.