Surgical separation of Egyptian parasitic twin successful
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The surgical separation of Egyptian parasitic twin Mohammed Abdulrahman Juma was successful. The Saudi medical and surgical team, led by Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, carried out the surgery.
It took eight hours to complete the complex surgical procedure held in six stages at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital in King Abdulaziz Medical City of the National Guard in Riyadh. As many as 26 consultants, specialists, nursing and technical staff from the specialties of anesthesia, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and other supporting specialties participated in the operation.
The eight-month old parasitic twin arrived in the Kingdom in March. Upon admission to the hospital, the medical team conducted diagnostic tests that revealed the parasitic twin was attached to Mohammed's back through the lower chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
Al-Rabeeah noted that the parasitic twin was separated from the child, Mohammed, as expected before the operation. He said that it had no chance of survival due to the absence of vital organs such as the heart and head, coupled with severe defects that cannot be corrected. This was in addition to the underdevelopment of the kidneys, urinary and reproductive systems, and the presence of severe intestinal deficiencies. He noted that this information was known before the operation and was explained to the child's parents.
Dr. Al-Rabeeah thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for their unlimited support to the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, stressing that these medical successes represent a shining example of the Kingdom's presence on the international arena as a pioneering country in charitable and humanitarian work.
Al Rabeeah said that this operation marks the 63rd procedure performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has reviewed 149 cases from 27 countries since its inception in 1990.
He underscored the program's commitment to advancing its expertise and treatment protocols while sharing this knowledge with medical professionals both domestically and internationally. This initiative aims to expand the program's humanitarian impact and further solidify the Kingdom's position as a global leader in the separation of conjoined twins and other critical medical fields.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
6 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Interior Ministry: Hajj success a shared responsibility as pilgrims arrive in Mina
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior emphasized on Wednesday that the success of the Hajj season is a shared responsibility, calling on all parties to adhere strictly to official regulations. Security and organizational preparations are in full effect to ensure smooth pilgrim movement between the holy sites. In a press briefing, Ministry of Interior security spokesperson Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub confirmed that pilgrims had been safely transported to Mina to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 'We are utilizing advanced technologies across all sectors to ensure the safety and service of pilgrims. There are no challenges we cannot overcome,' Al-Shalhoub said. 'Our efforts stem from the deep-rooted values of Saudi society—our security personnel serve without seeking reward except from God.' He underscored that the success of the Hajj pilgrimage is a collective responsibility, urging everyone to comply with safety instructions, adhere to scheduled group movement times, and respect approved transportation plans. He also warned of legal consequences for unauthorized transport of pilgrims. Al-Shalhoub revealed that authorities have issued 357 administrative decisions against 397 individuals involved in violating Hajj transport regulations. He added that anyone issuing visitor visas to those attempting to perform Hajj without permits would also be held accountable. Dr. Ghassan Al-Nouaimi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, reiterated Saudi Arabia's welcome to the pilgrims, noting the arrival of over 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad. He said more than 94,000 employees and 3,000 volunteers are serving the pilgrims this year. Al-Nouaimi projected that over one million pilgrims would arrive in Mina by the end of Wednesday, the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. He emphasized the importance of complying with the official pilgrim movement schedules and avoiding walking between the holy sites outside approved plans. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has also launched an updated version of the 'Nusuk' card with enhanced security features, linked to the Nusuk and Tawakkalna apps. Carrying the card is mandatory for all pilgrims during their movements in the holy sites and the Grand Mosque. He also highlighted that 97% of service providers were found compliant following more than 62,000 inspection tours of pilgrim accommodations. In addition, the operational capacity of the Mataf (circumambulation area) has been raised to accommodate 107,000 pilgrims per hour.
Saudi Gazette
7 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Over 1.5 million pilgrims converge on Mina as Hajj begins officially
Saudi Gazette report MINA — Chanting 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik...' ('Here I am, O God, here I am answering your call...'), more than 1.5 million pilgrims converged on Mina on Wednesday, the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the official beginning of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. The ascent of pilgrims on the tent city was completed smoothly by Wednesday afternoon in accordance with a foolproof and flawless organizational and operational plan mapped out by the Saudi authorities. More than 1.47 million pilgrims from all around the world were joined by hundreds of thousands of domestic pilgrims in performing Hajj this year. These include 2443 pilgrims, who came from 100 countries, to perform Hajj as guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Those pilgrims who arrived in Makkah on Tuesday performed Tawaf Al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival), one of the obligatory rituals of Hajj, before heading for the vast sprawling tent city of Mina. The chanting of talbiyah reverberated the entire valley of Mina and roads and streets leading to the tent city as pilgrims streamed to the valley, praising and glorifying God, in an atmosphere of spirituality and faith. In a serene spiritual atmosphere, amidst well-organized security and integrated services, and meticulous implementation of field plans, pilgrims descended on Mina. More than 8,000 buses transported pilgrims to their camps from their accommodation in Makkah. Retracing the noble tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the pilgrims will spend throughout the day and night on the Tarwiyah Day, in Mina. The 5-6 day Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. On the first day of Hajj rituals, they are engaged in supplications and make final preparations for the Standing (wuqoof) at Arafat, the most important pillar of Hajj, marking the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage, on Thursday. They immerse in supplications to God for their forgiveness and salvation. Pilgrims began arriving in Mina in the early hours of Wednesday. As the night wore on Tuesday, all roads and highways leading into the vast plains of Mina, located seven km northeast of the Grand Mosque, were filled with pilgrims, who made their way by vehicles or by foot to the world's largest tent city where they will camp overnight. The Saudi authorities and Hajj missions of various countries have completed elaborate preparations and foolproof arrangements that enabled the pilgrims to complete their smooth movement to the tent city of Mina. The pilgrims' movement has taken place smoothly, thanks to the vast arrangements made by the authorities. Saudi authorities have mobilized all their human and material resources to make the pilgrimage hassle-free and a great success. Artificial intelligence technology helped process the deluge of data, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds. Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, received those seeking religious fatwas at his residence in Mina on Wednesday. He directed the assignment of five eminent scholars to respond to the pilgrims' inquiries during the Hajj season. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of the Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, urged pilgrims to frequently recite the Talbiyah from the time they enter in the state of ihram for Hajj until they begin stoning at Jamarat Al-Aqaba on the Day of Sacrifice, Dhul Hijjah 10. Sheikh Al-Sudais said that it is recommended to pray on time, shortening them without combining them, except for Maghrib and Fajr which should not be shortened. This year's Hajj takes place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals. Many pilgrims are seen carrying white umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun. The Ministry of Health has issued a heat advisory for pilgrims in the wake of scorching surface temperatures, which pose a significant health risk. Following last year's lethal heat wave, authorities have mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to improve protection. The Ministry of Health has given top priority for the prevention of heat-related illnesses. It urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, drink water regularly and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Pilgrims are also advised to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, refrain from walking on hot surfaces, and exercise caution when engaging in strenuous activities
Saudi Gazette
9 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Three pairs of twins at Mina Hajj Scouting Camp share gratifying experience of serving pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report MINA — In a rare and coincidental alignment, this year's public service camps, organized by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association for Hajj 2025, have brought together three pairs of Saudi twins. Hailing from the scout group of the civil development association in Riyadh's Al-Rabie neighborhood, these six young men are collectively dedicated to serving pilgrims. The twins—Hussam and Issam Saeed Al-Qarni, Azzam and Ammar Suleiman Al-Sulaiman, and Walid and Muhannad Abdul-Hakim Al-Otaibi—are bound not only by family ties and similar appearances, but also by a genuine passion for scouting and active engagement in the noble cause of volunteer work and pilgrim service. Al-Qarni twins stated that scouting was not just a passing activity, but a life path chosen with conviction from a young age. They emphasized they were raised to love their country, and scouting has allowed them to translate this into tangible service by guiding pilgrims, providing first aid, and offering various forms of assistance. They stressed that every moment during the pilgrimages is a new lesson in patience, compassion, and discipline. Al-Sulaiman twins noted this experience has deepened their relationship, adding with pride: "We thought we knew each other well, but in the atmosphere of the pilgrimages and under the pressure of tasks, we discovered new dimensions of cooperation and interdependence. We work as a team, complementing each other, and everything we do is for the comfort of the pilgrim, whom we consider our guests, and it is our duty to provide them with the utmost comfort." Al-Otaibi twins expressed their profound pride in their participation, describing it as a life-changing experience. "Today, we are not only serving, but also learning how to stand calmly in the midst of a crowd, how to take the initiative without expecting thanks, and how scouting can be a comprehensive educational field," they said. "Being here together, two brothers and twins, experiencing the same thing and sharing every detail is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives."
