Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Jamaican conjoined twins Azaria and Azura Elson, were separated successfully in Riyadh on Thursday. The complex surgical separation was performed at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, head of the medical and surgical team, said that the operation, which was performed in six stages, lasted about nine hours. The medical team included 25 consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical staff in the fields of anesthesia, pediatric surgery, and plastic surgery.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah said that this was the 67th surgical separation performed under the Saudi Program for Separating Conjoined Twins. He noted that the program reflects the high level of professional competence and international standing of the Saudi medical staff.

The Jamaican twins arrived in Saudi Arabia on July 28 and underwent a series of medical checkups before the surgical separation. Thorough examinations revealed they shared a lower chest, abdomen, and liver, and possibly also shared intestines and pericardium.

The family of the twins thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for the special care given to their children that led to their successful surgical separation.