One-year-old conjoined twins Akhizah and Ayeesha from Panabo, Davao Del Norte, have been successfully separated through a complex surgical procedure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The operation, which lasted between five to seven hours, involved 23 consultant doctors, specialists, nursing, and technical staff. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia covered all costs related to the twins’ surgery, treatment, and family accommodation, according to a report by Martin Javier on “24 Oras.”
This marks the second instance of Filipino conjoined twins being separated in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Ambassador to the Philippines Hisham S.A. Alqahtani emphasized the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian efforts, stating, “The humanitarian work lifts one of the prominent achievements of the kingdom in the field of separating conjoined twins and providing outstanding medical care where the kingdom has become a pioneer in the field.”
The intricate five-stage procedure included an organ restoration. Hashima Yusoph, the twins’ mother, expressed her profound relief and gratitude: “Sobrang saya po kasi finally sa sobrang tagal ng pagsakripisyo namin dito, nahiwalay na sila. Since maliit pa po sila naghahanap na po kami ng sponsor, then may nakapagsabi po sa amin na doon kayo pumunta sa Mercy Islamic Foundation.”
Currently recovering in Riyadh, the twins are making significant progress. “Nakakapag-adjust na sa katawan nila. Nagpa-practice na rin po sila maglakad. Natupad ‘yung matagal ko nang hinihiling para sa kanila na mamuhay nang normal,” Hashima added.
Saudi Arabia, a leader in the field of separating conjoined twins, has conducted over 130 such operations for various nationalities over the past 30 years. Dr. Russell Alegarbes, a pediatric surgeon at St. Lukes Medical Center Global, commended the Kingdom’s expertise and resources: “They have the means, they have the funds, and they have the expertise to really proceed with mga komplikado na mga operasyon.”
