Saudi hospital separates conjoined twins from Tanzania in 14-hour surgery
The procedure at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital marks the 75th successful separation under a regional medical programme.
At a glance
- Two-year-old Tanzanian twins successfully separated after 14.5-hour operation
- Twins were joined at pelvis, hips and shared spinal structures
- Medical team of 44 personnel conducted surgery in nine stages
- Marks 75th successful separation under Saudi Conjoined Twins Program
Tanzanian twins Lateens and Lovens, aged two years and two months, were successfully separated in a 14.5-hour operation at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in Riyadh. The twins had been joined at the pelvis and hips and shared portions of their lower intestines, spine and spinal cord.
The surgery involved 44 medical personnel across nine stages, according to Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, who headed the surgical team. The procedure marks the 75th successful separation carried out under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program and the fourth involving Tanzanian twins. The children arrived in Saudi Arabia on 27 January 2026 and underwent preparatory procedures including skin expansion over several months before surgery.
Why it matters
The separation programme demonstrates advanced paediatric surgical capabilities and international medical cooperation in treating complex congenital conditions.
Original reporting
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
