Maryam Al-Sughayyar

Okaz/Saudi Gazette



RIYADH – Saudi Siamese twins Rana and Raneem, who are conjoined in the head area, will undergo an 18-hour separation surgery at King Abdul Aziz Medical City here on Sunday.



Consultant neurosurgeon Dr. Ahmed Al-Frayyan, who is heading the multi-disciplinary medical team for the surgery, said Rana and Raneem were born through a Caesarian section in August 2011. Since their birth they have been receiving special care. They underwent several tests including catheterization of the veins and arteries of the brain.



The doctors have already performed three stages of surgery. The first was in last April when the veins to the brains were separated and a silicon implant was placed to separate the brains of the two girls. In the second stage after one month, parts of the arteries joining Rana’s and Raneem’s brains were separated.



In the third stage in October, the remaining arteries and veins shared by the girls were separated.

The final stage is scheduled for Sunday.