Saudi doctors complete separation of Filipino conjoined twins after 18-hour surgery

A specialist medical team in Saudi Arabia has successfully completed the separation of Filipino conjoined twins Klea and Moris Ann following an intensive 18-and-a-half-hour surgical procedure described as one of the most complex of its kind.

The operation was conducted at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital within King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs.

Dr Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who heads the medical and surgical team, said the final stages of the procedure involved reconstruction, cosmetic repair and closure of the skull. He confirmed that earlier phases of the multi-stage surgery had already been completed successfully.

He said the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program has played a significant role in improving outcomes for children with rare and complex conditions, while also reinforcing the Kingdom’s global reputation in advanced medical care and humanitarian services.

The programme, led by surgeon Mutasim Al-Zoubi, involved extensive planning across five stages and a multidisciplinary team of around 30 specialists, including experts in anaesthesia, intensive care, imaging and plastic surgery.

Al-Rabeeah noted that the operation carried an estimated 50 percent risk level due to its complexity, with a significant possibility of neurological complications and long-term disability risks.

He added that an international medical centre had also been consulted, and its assessment aligned with the Saudi team’s evaluation regarding the challenges involved. The twins’ parents were fully briefed throughout the process, including risks and surgical planning.