Commencement of the Separation Surgery for Burkinabe Siamese Twins “Hawa and Khadija” in Compliance with Leadership Directives

Following the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi medical and surgical team commenced the separation surgery of Siamese twins, 17-month-old Burkina Faso twins named Hawa and Khadijah, at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.

The General Supervisor of the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, explained that the twins arrived in the Kingdom in early July and underwent thorough examinations upon admission to the hospital. The medical team discovered that the twins were conjoined in the lower chest and abdomen, sharing membranes in the heart, liver, and intestines.

Due to the extent of the connection, the medical team decided to prepare the twins by using balloons to expand the skin, making it easier to close the gap after separation. The operation is set to be conducted in 5 stages, lasting about 8 hours, with the participation of 26 consultants, specialists, nursing and technical staff from various specialties.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah highlighted that this surgery, which is one of precision, has a success rate of over 80% and is a part of the Saudi program for separating conjoined twins. He mentioned that the Saudi program has successfully assisted 146 sets of Siamese twins from 27 countries over the past 35 years, positioning it as a leader in the global medical field, recognized internationally on the World Conjoined Twins Day on November 24 every year.

The Doctor attributed this success to the support and continuous guidance from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed, expressing gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the medical team for the generous support received. He concluded by praying for the swift recovery of the twins and their safe return to their home country.