Based on the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to treat the Sudanese conjoined twins Mamdooh and Mahmood, the Multidisciplinary and Surgical Teams for Conjoined Twins at the Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs headed by HE Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah met several times to review the case of the twins.
The medical tests and investigations revealed that the case is highly complex and critical which includes sharing of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. The one twin has a very complex deformed heart and impaired kidney function as well as a shared gall bladder, liver and urinary system all of which make this case high risk.
The surgical team has met the parents twice, explaining fully the complexities of the separation that has a success rate of 30%. However, the parents have full confidence in the surgical team and insist on the separation.
The surgical team agreed to separate the twins on Saturday, 24 May 2014. The operation is expected to take approximately 17 hours over 9 phases. The surgical team is comprised of 28 members covering anesthesia, pediatrics, urology, orthopedics, plastics and nursing. We pray to God for strength and guidance.