In compliance with the directions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, May Allah protect him, a multidisciplinary team, presided over by His Excellency the Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, held several meetings and conducted the necessary medical examinations on the Saudi conjoined twins (Rana and Reem), in order to verify the possibility of separating them.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah affirmed that the twins' condition is stable. Examinations show that they are conjoined in the lower abdomen, and share the lower urinary system, the lower reproductive system, as well as the lower digestive system. Examinations show, also, that the success rate of the surgery is about 70%. “The surgical crew decided to perform the separation operation on Thursday, September 13th, 2012 (Shawwal 26th, 1433H), at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh,” Dr. Al-Rabeeah explained. “The surgery is expected to take 13 hours, divided to 11 phases. The surgery will be performed by a multidisciplinary team, comprising 28 members specialized in various specialties (sterilization, pediatric surgery, pediatric urology, cosmetic surgery, pediatric orthopedic surgery, nursing, supportive services).
On his own behalf, and on behalf of the entire medical team, Dr. Al-Rabeeah prayed for Allah to make success of this surgery, and to confer health and well-being upon the two girls. He also appreciated the human gesture of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and his paternal keen interest in preserving his subjects' health and prosperity.
For his part, the Executive Director-General of Health Affairs at the National Guard, and the Supervisor-General of Royal Clinics, Dr. Bandar bin Abdulmohsen Al-Genawi, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, May Allah protect him, for this kind initiative which reflects his concern about his people's needs.