Conjoined twins from Nigeria, identified as Hassana and Husaina, have been separated by a surgical team in Saudi Arabia.
The twins from Kano state were flown to Saudi Arabia for surgery in October 2023.
The surgical operation was conducted at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s hospital, in King Abdulaziz medical city, Riyadh.
In a statement on Friday, Mohammed Alsahabi, spokesperson of the Saudi embassy in Abuja, said the twins were joined at the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves.
The surgery was conducted following the directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and his royal highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, crown prince and prime minister of Saudi Arabia.
“The procedure, which began on Thursday morning, marked the culmination of meticulous planning and execution by a dedicated team of medical professionals,” the statement reads.
“The twins, who arrived in Riyadh on October 31, 2023, underwent comprehensive examinations that revealed shared areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves.
“The surgical intervention unfolded in nine planned stages, lasting approximately 14 hours.
“A team comprising 38 consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff specializing in anesthesia, pediatric surgery, urology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and pediatric neurosurgery, collaborated seamlessly to ensure the success of this complex operation.
“This surgical milestone marked the 60th operation undertaken by the Saudi program for separating Siamese twins, a program that has provided care for 135 conjoined twins from 25 countries over the past 34 years.”
Abdullah Al Rabeeah, advisor at the royal court, and supervisor general of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), said he was 70 percent confident of the success rate before the commencement of the procedure.
Al Rabeeah who is also the head of medical team, thanked the Saudi leadership for supporting the programme.
“The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing medical science and extending compassionate healthcare on a global scale,” he added.