Nigerian Conjoined Twins Successfully Separated in Saudi Arabia After 14-Hour Surgery
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on March 2, 2024
A pair of conjoined twins from Nigeria, named Hassana and Husaina, have been successfully separated by a skilled surgical team in Saudi Arabia. The twins, hailing from Kano state, underwent the intricate procedure at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following directives from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
The surgical operation, which lasted a remarkable 14 hours, marked a significant milestone in the twins’ journey towards independence. Mohammed Alsahabi, Press Attache at the Royal Embassy Of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, revealed that the twins arrived in Riyadh in October 2023 for the surgery.
The complex procedure involved meticulous planning and execution, with the medical team identifying shared areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves during comprehensive examinations. The surgery unfolded in nine planned stages, with a team of 38 consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff specializing in various medical fields collaborating seamlessly to ensure the success of the operation.
This remarkable achievement marks the 60th operation conducted by the Saudi program for separating Siamese twins. Hassana and Husaina’s successful separation exemplifies the dedication of medical professionals and underscores the potential for surgical interventions to improve the lives of conjoined twins.
Conjoined twins, also known as “conjoined siblings,” share a connection in utero, and the complexity of their case depends on the extent of the connection and the organs shared. Surgical separation may be considered in cases where it is deemed feasible and beneficial for the twins’ overall health and potential for independent function post-separation.
Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
