Surgical separation of Eritrean conjoined twins successful
Saudi Gazette report
Riyadh — The medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program is successful in separating Eritrean conjoined twins Asma and Someya, who were joined at the head, at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in Riyadh on Wednesday. This is in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Supervisor General and head of the medical team Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said the complex procedure, which lasted for 15 and a half hours, was carried out by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines. The team employed neuronavigational technology and surgical microscopy to ensure precise planning and uphold the highest safety standards.
He said that this operation marks the 64th separation performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has treated over 149 cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years. Over the years, it has achieved outstanding medical successes, showcasing the advanced capabilities and professionalism of Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector and its medical teams.
Consultant pediatric neurosurgeon and head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Dr. Moutasem Azzubi said that the twins underwent a comprehensive evaluation, which revealed the fusion of skull bones, brain membranes, veins, and certain arteries. The separation was conducted in stages, beginning with an initial surgical procedure followed by three interventional radiology procedures to block shared arteries and veins. The pediatric plastic surgery team inserted tissue expanders under the skin to stretch it over several months and allow sufficient skin coverage after the separation.
The twins' family expressed their sincere gratitude to the Saudi leadership for making this life-saving procedure possible and ensuring their children received the best medical care. They also commended the Kingdom's humanitarian efforts and thanked the generous hospitality they received during their stay in Saudi Arabia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
6 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
A new flavor for Saudi restaurant meals starting July 1
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — In less than 10 days, the restaurant experience in Saudi Arabia will be completely different from what the diners have been used to for decades. Starting July 1, the new rules regulating restaurant meals are scheduled to take effect, in accordance with the Saudi Food Regulation Policy. The most notable changes will include a list of the menu's ingredients, including calories, details of its nutritional components, and a warning about any ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction in some diners. The new regulation will be implemented by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which emphasizes the need to provide healthy and safe food options for families and diners of restaurants, especially given the large number of people who require meals that do not cause allergies. Starting July 1, restaurants will be required to change their menus to include a clear list of calories, fat and sugar content, sodium (salt) levels, and clear information about allergens. SFDA noted that food outlets will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus from this date. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. These requirements apply to all menus, whether physical or online, and extend to online food ordering platforms. A large segment of Saudi consumers have welcomed these new regulations, especially given the growing concern in the Kingdom about rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Displaying this information will enable diners to adequately protect their health. Restaurant and café owners have welcomed the new food regulations, to the point that some have even taken the initiative to choose food alternatives that are healthier for their customers. Through these initiatives, the SFDA aims to promote healthier food options, encourage a balanced lifestyle, and help consumers track their salt and caffeine intake in relation to approved health recommendations. The Saudi government is providing all possible assistance to owners of restaurants and cafés to navigate this phase and adapt to Saudi food regulations. The new regulations reflect the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of improving the quality of life for citizens.
Leaders
3 days ago
- Leaders
Health Ministry Unveils 'Biotech Accelerator' to Drive Innovation at BIO 2025
Vice Minister of Health for Planning and Development, Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, announced at the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, the launch of the Ministry of Health's new 'Biotech Accelerator' program for biotechnology startups. This initiative, developed in partnership with BioLabs, is designed to stimulate innovation, enhance international collaboration, and empower Saudi biotech companies to elevate healthcare services. This pioneering program—the first of its kind in the Kingdom and the first BioLabs partnership in the Middle East—supports the objectives of both the Health Sector Transformation Program and the National Biotechnology Strategy, key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These initiatives seek to cultivate a thriving society and dynamic economy while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in health innovation. Running over seven months, the Biotech Accelerator will provide startups with comprehensive training, structured support tracks, and access to cutting-edge research laboratories. Related Topics : SFDA Boosts Cooperation with European Institute of Innovation and Technology Health Minister Inspects Arafat Field Hospital Ahead of Hajj Rituals Stride into Health: Saudi Launches 'Walk 30' Public Fitness Drive Makkah Municipality Issues Health Certificate Guidelines for Hajj Season 1446 Short link : Post Views: 5 Related Stories
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's KSrelief performs over 4,484 successful eye surgeries in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) performed over 4,484 successful eye surgeries across Pakistan under a voluntary program to provide free medical services to the underprivileged, state-run media reported this week. The state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported on Thursday that KSrelief successfully concluded 11 comprehensive eye treatment camps in Pakistan under the 'Noor Saudi Volunteer Program 2025.' These camps, PTV said, were organized in collaboration with the Al-Basar International Foundation and Ibrahim Eye Hospital Karachi. The camps were held to provide free medical services to underprivileged individuals suffering from blindness or other eye-related ailments, it added. These camps were organized in both the urban and rural areas of Pakistan's Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions where access to quality eye care services remains limited, PTV said. 'During the campaign, medical teams examined a total of 43,294 patients and performed over 4,484 successful surgeries,' the state television said. 'Additionally, 11,050 eyeglasses were distributed free of charge, along with the provision of prescribed medications to deserving patients.' It said these camps were conducted in various Pakistani cities such as Karachi, Matli, Kandhkot, Shikarpur, Hyderabad, Naseerabad, Kharan, Khuzdar, Jhelum and Rawalakot. The camps enabled thousands of patients to benefit from specialized eye treatments due to which many were able to regain their vision. 'This initiative reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong humanitarian commitment and its dedication to enhancing the lives of people affected by visual impairments,' PTV said. KSrelief has implemented hundreds of projects in Pakistan worth millions of dollars to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. Efforts include emergency relief for natural disasters, and long-term projects addressing food security, health care, education, and shelter. The Saudi charity organization has one of the largest humanitarian budgets available to any aid agency across the world, which has allowed its officials to undertake a wide variety of projects in more than 80 countries. Pakistan is the fifth largest beneficiary of its aid and humanitarian activities and has greatly benefited from its assistance since the 2022 monsoon floods.
