Filipino twins separated in complex Saudi surgery

The separation of Filipino conjoined twins Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa was successfully carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a highly complex multi-stage operation led by the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program.

The procedure, performed at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital under the Ministry of National Guard, began on 23 April 2026 upon the directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The twins, joined at the head, had been under medical evaluation since arriving in the Kingdom in May 2025, with doctors citing the case as among the most complex globally due to shared brain structures and other critical conditions.

Led by Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Muatasim Al-Zoubi, a team of 30 specialists conducted the operation in multiple stages, with an estimated 50 percent surgical risk. Despite the challenges, the procedure was completed after more than 13 hours of surgery, marking the 70th successful separation under the program since its launch in 1990.

The twins’ mother expressed gratitude following the operation, saying it offers her daughters a chance at independent lives. Officials also acknowledged the continued support of Saudi leadership in advancing humanitarian medical care.