Oman achieves historic conjoined twin separation
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has achieved a significant medical milestone by successfully performing the first separation of Omphaloischiopagus conjoined twins. This rare condition involves twins sharing a pelvic region, with connections in their intestines, urinary system, and blood vessels. The complex operation, lasting 19 hours, represents a triumph of medical expertise and collaboration. The Omani twins are now receiving intensive medical care, and their health is steadily improving.
The operation was conducted under the direct supervision of His Excellency Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, the Minister of Health. A highly skilled medical team, comprising specialists from various fields, including surgeons and medical personnel from the Royal Hospital, Khoula Hospital, the Medical City Hospital for Military and Security Services, and Nizwa Hospital, 1 worked in close coordination. Their efforts were guided by an advanced medical plan designed to ensure the best possible outcome. This operation required a comprehensive and integrated approach, drawing upon the expertise of specialised Omani teams across numerous surgical and supportive medical disciplines. This achievement reflects the advancement of healthcare services within the Sultanate of Oman. The procedure involved delicate stages, beginning with thorough assessments and surgical preparations, followed by the separation and tissue reconstruction, and concluding with post-operative care and intensive medical monitoring to ensure the twins' recovery and stability. This medical success marks a landmark moment for Oman's health sector, demonstrating the capability of Omani professionals to perform highly complex surgical procedures to international standards, thereby enhancing Oman's standing in the field of advanced surgery.
Dr. Mohammed Jaafar Al-Sajwani, Senior Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at the Royal Hospital and head of the Siamese twin separation team, emphasised the rarity of conjoined twins, noting that many children do not survive due to congenital abnormalities. He highlighted the particular complexity of pelvic conjoined twins, especially in girls, due to the intricate network of organs in this area. The team had been monitoring the case throughout the pregnancy and decided to undertake the operation within Oman. The birth proceeded smoothly, and the twins were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit. Over the preceding 11 months, the team addressed numerous challenges through meticulous preparations, including detailed meetings and imaging studies to map the twins' shared anatomy. Dr. Al-Sajwani attributed the success of the 7th February operation to the expertise and skills of Omani specialists.
Further contributing surgeons and medical staff detailed their roles. Dr. Muhannad Mohammed Batal, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, highlighted the operation as a milestone, confirming the ability of Omani professionals to meet the highest international medical standards. Dr. Ali bin Taleb Al-Jabri, Senior Consultant Neonatal Intensive Care, explained the year long planning and monitoring involved. Dr. Nawal bint Abdullah Al Sharji, Consultant Paediatric Urologist, spoke of the challenges presented by the shared urinary tracts. Dr. Masoud bin Nasser Al Abdali, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, explained the bone separation surgery. Dr. Sheikhan bin Nasser Al Hashemi, Consultant Paediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, detailed the complex tissue preservation and restoration. Dr. Ramla Malallah Al Qassab, Senior Consultant Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Physician, described the meticulous anaesthesia planning. Dr. Farhana bint Ishaq Al Othmani, Consultant Physician in Paediatric Intensive Care, spoke of the long recovery and infection risks, that were managed.
Saeed Al Musalhi, the twins' father, expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and praised the dedication of the medical team. Ruqayyah bint Abdullah Al Jardani, a nurse and head of the operations wing, described the extensive preparations and collaboration with other teams. The report concluded by emphasising the extreme rarity of Omphaloischiopagus conjoined twins, making this Omani medical achievement truly exceptional on a global scale.
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