Saudi Arabia begins complex 15-hour surgery to separate Fijian conjoined twins

In an unprecedented surgical endeavor, Fijian conjoined twins Jaspili and Disisia commenced a 15-hour operation on Thursday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The intricate procedure, conducted over nine stages, boasts a 70% success rate and is overseen by a team of 34 medical professionals. The Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, under the guidance of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is spearheading this critical mission at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital.

The twins, admitted on July 21, 2026, are joined at the abdomen and pelvis, sharing vital organs including the liver, intestines, colon, anus, urinary system, reproductive system, and pelvic bone. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, the program's Supervisor General, confirmed their arrival and the extensive medical evaluations that affirmed the nature and complexity of their condition.

The operation involves specialists from various surgical fields, all collaborating to provide the best possible care. This marks the first such separation surgery for conjoined twins from Fiji and the 74th case handled by the Saudi program since its inception in 1990. The program has treated 159 sets of conjoined twins from 28 countries across five continents.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah extended heartfelt thanks to the Saudi leadership for their support, emphasizing the program's role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in this specialized field. He fervently hopes for the twins' swift recovery and their safe journey back to their homeland.