Successful Separation of Eritrean Conjoined Twins “Asma and Someya” After a 15.5-Hour Complex Surgery

The medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme successfully performed the separation of Eritrean twins, Asma and Someya, yesterday in a complex surgical procedure that lasted for 15 and a half hours, at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs in Riyadh.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and Head of the Surgical and Medical Teams stated that the successful surgery was carried out in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Dr. Al Rabeeah explained that the surgical team included 36 consultants and specialists in anesthesiology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, as well as skilled nursing and technical staff. The team utilized neuronavigational technology and surgical microscopy to ensure accurate planning and the highest standards of safety.
He added that this operation marks the 64th successful separation conducted under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, which has reviewed over 149 cases of conjoined twins from 27 countries over the past 35 years. The program continues to receive substantial support and attention from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince. Over the decades, it has achieved remarkable medical successes, highlighting the advanced capabilities and professionalism of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector and its national medical teams.
Dr. Al Rabeeah extended his profound gratitude and appreciation, on behalf of himself and all members of the medical and surgical team, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their unwavering support and continuous oversight of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme. He also praised the dedication and expertise of the medical team, who exerted their utmost efforts to ensure the success of the separation surgery and the safety of the twins.
Dr. Moutasem Azzubi, Consultant Pediatric Neurosurgeon and Head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, explained that the twins underwent a thorough evaluation, including multiple diagnostic assessments, which revealed fusion of the skull bones, brain membranes, veins, and some 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 the skin over several months and allow sufficient skin coverage after the separation.
The family of the twins expressed their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for facilitating this life-saving procedure and providing the necessary medical care to their children. They also praised the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts and expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality they experienced during their stay in Saudi Arabia.