RIYADH, July 18 (Alliance News): Saudi conjoined twins Yara and Lara were successfully separated on Thursday at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, marking a major milestone in pediatric surgery and humanitarian medicine.
The intricate nine-stage procedure was performed by a 38-member team of specialized surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, under the Ministry of National Guard. Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and head of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, led the operation.
Dr Al Rabeeah expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support of the program. “Their unwavering backing has enabled Saudi Arabia to deliver world-class specialized care, improving lives and demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian service,” he said.
The twins, born on November 5, 2024, were joined at the lower abdomen and pelvis, sharing parts of their lower colon, rectum, urinary and reproductive systems, and pelvic bone. After thorough evaluation, doctors concluded that a safe separation was achievable.
This operation marks the 65th successful separation under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, which has reviewed 150 cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years. Yara and Lara are the 16th pair of Saudi twins to be successfully separated.
Currently, the twins are under close post-operative care, with the medical team optimistic about their recovery.
Dr Al Rabeeah commended the entire team for their dedication and professionalism, noting that their work reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global medical and humanitarian efforts.
