RIYADH, 26 July 2005 — As the separated Egyptian twins were being shifted from the intensive care unit, doctors at the King Abdul Aziz Medical City for National Guard said here yesterday that one of them would need reconstructive heart surgery in the future.
“Walaa will require reconstructive heart surgery in the future as a result of major congenital anomalies in her heart,” Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, chief surgeon and head of the multidisciplinary team said, adding that her heart is stable now and she is receiving sustaining medication.
Prior to the surgery, doctors found Walaa had major heart anomalies such as an underdeveloped (hypoplastic) right ventricle, a defect between the ventricles and also a defect between the atria. “These anomalies led to heart failure requiring anti-failure therapy.”
Dr. Rabeeah confirmed that the separation was done on an urgent basis to protect Alaa, due to the major heart anomalies of Walaa.
Exactly one month after the surgery, the twins were transferred yesterday from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to its General Pediatric Ward No 7. The operation performed in seven phases in 13 hours on June 25 was carried out on instructions from Crown Prince Abdullah.
“Due to their excellent condition, the twins have been discharged from the (PICU) and moved to the general ward,” Dr. Rabeeah said. He added that both infants are very stable and all intravenous catheters and medications have been stopped. “They are both feeding by mouth, smiling and interacting with their parents and hospital staff. Their wounds have healed completely and there are no indications of any complications.”
Walaa is still receiving anti-failure medication for the major congenital anomalies in her heart. However, he said Alaa is not receiving any medication at this time.
The medical team expects the twins to stay in the new ward for a few weeks, and will be subject to an intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation program with careful follow up for Walaa’s heart.
Last Wednesday, Crown Prince Abdullah visited the twins to convey his concern and compassion on the infants. He has ensured that they receive optimal therapy.
He also congratulated the parents of the twins on the success of the separation and praised the surgical team on their achievement. While thanking the crown prince, Dr. Rabeeah said: “The crown prince’s visit represents his benevolent nature toward supporting disadvantaged children and patients from all over the world.”
Since 1990, nine procedures for the separation of conjoined twins have been performed by Dr. Rabeeah’s team in the Kingdom. Three sets of twins were from the Kingdom, two from Sudan and one each from Malaysia, Egypt and the Philippines. The latest operation was on Jan. 3 this year to separate Polish twins Daria and Olga. All nine operations were successful.
