In what has been hailed as a groundbreaking feat in modern paediatric surgery, Saudi medical professionals have successfully carried out a complex operation to separate conjoined twins, Yara and Lara, at the King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital in Riyadh. The announcement was made by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and a leading figure in the Kingdom’s renowned conjoined twins separation programme.
The intricate procedure, which took place under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marks the 65th successful separation of conjoined twins conducted in Saudi Arabia since the inception of the programme in 1990. The country has earned global recognition for its leadership in this highly specialised area of surgery, with families from across continents—including Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe—often seeking medical intervention in the Kingdom.
The twin girls, Yara and Lara, were born in Riyadh and were joined at the lower abdomen and pelvis. According to medical experts involved in the surgery, the procedure involved a highly coordinated team of more than 30 specialists, including surgeons, anaesthesiologists, paediatricians, and nursing staff. The operation, which lasted several hours, required meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology to ensure the safety and long-term health of both children.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah, a seasoned surgeon who has led numerous such procedures over the decades, expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support in prioritising humanitarian healthcare. He also commended the dedication and skill of the medical team, noting that the successful outcome was the result of months of preparation, simulations, and collaborative planning.
The medical team confirmed that both Yara and Lara are in stable condition and currently recovering under close observation. Early assessments suggest that the twins are responding well to post-operative care and are expected to make a full recovery, paving the way for independent and healthy lives.
The Kingdom’s conjoined twins programme stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to medical excellence and humanitarian service. Over the years, the programme has handled numerous high-risk cases, many of which involved children flown in from countries with limited surgical capacity. The initiative not only offers world-class treatment free of charge but also reflects the country’s broader effort to share its expertise for the benefit of humanity.
For many in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, such medical successes serve as both inspiration and evidence of what can be achieved when investment in healthcare infrastructure, professional training, and international cooperation is prioritised. As the world continues to follow the recovery of Yara and Lara, their story is likely to inspire hope for families around the globe facing similar medical challenges.