Filipino Conjoined Twins Separated in Riyadh

Filipino conjoined twins Ayeesha and Akhizah underwent a complex separation surgery in Riyadh on June 6, 2024, under the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The procedure, carried out by the Saudi conjoined twins program at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH), marks the 61st separation performed by the program and the second for twins from the Philippines.

Context and Background

The Saudi conjoined twins program, established in 1990, has reviewed cases for 136 twins from 26 countries, offering free medical care to families in need. Ayeesha and Akhizah were born on December 12, 2022, in Davao del Sur, Philippines, conjoined at the abdomen (thoraco-omphalopagus). Their case was referred to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) by the Mercy Islamic Foundation in the Philippines. On May 5, 2024, the twins, accompanied by their mother and grandmother, arrived in Riyadh via MediVac.

Key Details

The surgery, expected to last 7.5 hours and divided into five phases, was performed by a team of over 20 medical and clinical staff, led by Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief and a distinguished pediatric surgeon. In a press statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Al Rabeeah explained that the 16-month-old twins are conjoined at the lower chest and abdomen, sharing a liver. They have a combined weight of 18 kilograms, each with a complete set of upper and lower limbs. After reviewing their condition, the team determined that a successful separation is achievable. Ayeesha also has a cleft palate, which will be corrected after she recovers from the separation. The Saudi government covers all costs associated with the surgery and recovery.

Implications and Impact

This successful operation underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in humanitarian medical care and its commitment to alleviating human suffering worldwide. The program not only provides advanced surgical intervention but also offers hope and a brighter future for children and families facing such challenges. The twins are expected to return home to the Philippines to live healthy lives, following in the footsteps of Ann and May, the first Filipino pair separated by the program in 2002.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing global health partnerships and showcasing the Kingdom’s role as a leader in humanitarian aid. Under the guidance of its leadership, Saudi Arabia continues to extend its medical expertise and resources to those in need, reinforcing its position as a beacon of hope and compassion on the international stage.

20 Questions

Q1. Who are the conjoined twins that underwent separation surgery in Riyadh?

A1. Ayeesha and Akhizah, conjoined twins from the Philippines, underwent separation surgery in Riyadh on June 6, 2024, under the Saudi conjoined twins program.

Q2. Where did the surgery take place?

A2. The surgery took place at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q3. Who directed the surgery to be performed?

A3. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, directed the surgery.

Q4. How long was the surgery expected to last?

A4. The surgery was expected to last 7.5 hours and was divided into five surgical phases.

Q5. How many medical staff were involved?

A5. Over 20 medical and clinical staff participated in the procedure.

Q6. Who led the surgical team?

A6. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and distinguished pediatric surgeon, led the team.

Q7. When and where were the twins born?

A7. Ayeesha and Akhizah were born on December 12, 2022, in Davao del Sur, Philippines.

Q8. What type of conjoined twins are they?

A8. They are thoraco-omphalopagus, conjoined at the lower chest and abdomen, sharing a liver.

Q9. How did their case come to Saudi Arabia’s attention?

A9. Their case was referred to KSrelief by the Mercy Islamic Foundation in the Philippines.

Q10. When did the twins arrive in Riyadh?

A10. They arrived in Riyadh on May 5, 2024, by MediVac, accompanied by their mother and grandmother.

Q11. What other medical condition does Ayeesha have?

A11. Ayeesha was born with a cleft palate, which will be corrected after she recovers from the separation surgery.

Q12. Who covers the costs of the surgery and recovery?

A12. The Saudi government covers all costs associated with the surgery and recovery.

Q13. What is the combined weight of the twins?

A13. The twins have a combined weight of 18 kilograms.

Q14. How many pairs have been separated by the program?

A14. Ayeesha and Akhizah are the 61st pair separated by the program.

Q15. How many pairs from the Philippines have been separated by the program?

A15. They are the second pair from the Philippines; the first were Ann and May, separated in 2002.

Q16. When was the Saudi conjoined twins program established?

A16. The program was established in 1990.

Q17. How many cases has the program reviewed?

A17. The program has reviewed cases for 136 twins from 26 countries.

Q18. What did Dr. Al Rabeeah say about the surgery?

A18. He expressed gratitude to the Kingdom’s leadership and wished for a successful surgery, paving the way for the twins’ safe return home.

Q19. What is the expected outcome for the twins?

A19. After recovery, the twins are expected to return home to the Philippines to live healthy lives.

Q20. How does this surgery reflect Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts?

A20. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian aid and its leadership in advanced medical care, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

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