The specialized medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program achieved a new medical feat today by separating the Filipino conjoined twins 'Klea and Maurice Ann' after a surgery considered one of the most complex cases globally, performed at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh.

His Excellency the Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and Head of the Medical and Surgical Team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, said: 'Thanks to God's grace and then the efforts of my colleagues, members of the surgical team, the Filipino twins (Klea and Maurice Ann) were separated after (12) hours and (45) minutes from the start of anesthesia. This is the third stage, with two stages remaining—the fourth and fifth—which are expected to extend for several hours and include reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, and skull closure.'

He added, 'The operation was carried out with the participation of (30) consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical staff in various specialties, including anesthesia, intensive care, advanced radiology, plastic surgery, and other supporting specialties, to ensure the highest levels of accuracy and safety throughout all stages of the operation.'

His Excellency explained that this operation is the third to separate conjoined twins from the Philippines and number (70) in the series of operations by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, whose history spans more than (35) years, covering (27) countries and studying (157) cases from around the world. This underscores the leading role the Kingdom plays in this rare medical specialty, with direct support and care from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister—may God protect them.

Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, on his own behalf and on behalf of all members of the medical and surgical team, expressed the highest gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership for the continuous interest and follow-up the program receives.

He also thanked the surgical team led by pediatric neurosurgeon consultant Dr. Mu'tasim Al-Zoubi, and the surgical team from the specialties of anesthesia, plastic surgery, and nursing and technical staff for their efforts that contributed to the success of the operation and ensured the twins' safety, affirming that this success embodies the Kingdom's noble humanitarian mission and its status as a global center of excellence in this field.

For their part, the twins' family expressed their gratitude and thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Trustworthy Crown Prince—may God protect them—for the excellent medical care the twins received, appreciating the great efforts made by the medical team to ensure the success of the operation.