RIYADH — A Saudi medical and surgical team achieved a new milestone on Thursday by successfully separating conjoined twins Yara and Lara in a highly complex procedure that lasted 12.5 hours. The operation was performed at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital, part of King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), who also leads the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, confirmed that the seven-month-old twins were joined at the lower abdomen and pelvis, sharing parts of the colon, rectum, urinary and reproductive systems, and pelvic bone. A team of 38 specialists, including consultants in pediatric surgery, anesthesia, urology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and nursing, participated in the delicate operation. The surgery marks the 65th successful separation conducted under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has evaluated 150 conjoined twin cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years. Dr. Al-Rabeeah praised the Kingdom's global leadership in humanitarian medical care, attributing the success of the program to the unwavering support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He also expressed gratitude to the surgical team for their exceptional efforts, describing the operation as a testament to Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to medical excellence and human dignity. The family of Yara and Lara extended heartfelt thanks to the Saudi leadership and the entire medical team, expressing deep appreciation for the advanced care and tireless dedication that ensured the success of the procedure and the safety of the twin girls.
