RIYADH, 5 July 2005 — The conjoined Egyptian twins, Alaa and Walaa, who underwent separation surgery on June 25, are making satisfactory progress at the King Abdul Aziz Medical City for National Guard (KAAMCNG).
The infants who are being fed intravenously will switch to normal feeding during the next few days.
Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, head of the 35-member team that performed the surgery, said yesterday that there had been a steady improvement.
“Alaa has been off the artificial respirator for the last six days and is breathing normally,” he added.
The surgeon pointed out that Alaa’s vital organs were normal and there was no evidence of infection.
“Her incision is healing fast and there are no complications. She is expected to begin feeding within the next two days,” he said.
“Walaa, who has a major heart disorder, is still on the artificial respirator on minimal settings,” the doctor said, expressing hope that the medical team will be able to remove the artificial respirator within a few days once her heart has stablilized.
Dr. Rabeeah also confirmed that Walaa is steadily improving without any complications.
“Considering her heart problems, she has done remarkably well. All her vital organs are stable and her incision is healing satisfactorily and she is expected to start feeding in a few days.”
The infants are expected to remain in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for another two to three weeks.
