RIYADH: Six days after a 70-member multidisciplinary team headed by Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah separated Egyptian conjoined twins Mahmoud and Hassan, the infants are reported to be in stable condition and their health is improving.
Al-Rabeeah spoke to reporters yesterday after visiting the twins at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) where they were separated on March 1 after a 9-hour operation.
The twins were flown to the Kingdom on the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Feb. 10 following a request from their parents.
Al-Rabeeah said Mahmoud’s condition had noticeably improved. Breathing apparatus has been detached and he is now breathing normally. “Mahmoud is now responding satisfactorily to the medical team and his parents,” he said.
Hassan, who is still on ventilator, is being monitored as he suffers from a urological system infection. In accordance with laboratory test results, his antibiotics regimen has been amended. “His condition however has stabilized and a medical team has begun feeding him,” said Al-Rabeeah. It is anticipated that the ventilator will be detached within the next few days.
A source at the KAMC said the parents were fully updated on the condition of the twins. “The parents thanked King Abdullah for his gesture in allowing the surgery to happen at his expense,” he said.
“They also thanked the medical team headed by Al-Rabeeah for efficiently handling the surgery without any complications. The parents were given board and lodging on the hospital’s premises to enable them to be with the infants following the surgery,” he added.
This has been the 21st successful operation to separate conjoined twins in the Kingdom.
