The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Manila announced on Friday that Filipino conjoined twins Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa have been successfully separated after a complex 13-hour surgery sponsored by the Saudi government on April 23.
Complex Medical Procedure
The operation, described as one of the most complex cases worldwide, involved dozens of specialists from multiple disciplines. The twins' mother expressed profound joy at the success of the separation surgery, which opens the prospect of independent life for her daughters.
The surgery was carried out under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Background and Preparation
The twins arrived in Saudi Arabia in May 2025 and were admitted to the King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in Riyadh for extensive examinations. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, head of the humanitarian program's medical and surgical team, noted that the complexity of their case was due to the positioning of their heads, extensive sharing of cerebral venous sinuses, and intertwining of brain tissue.
This was further complicated by Klea Ann's cardiac muscle insufficiency and severe kidney atrophy with complete renal failure, significantly increasing the surgical risk.
Surgical Approach
Lead surgeon Dr. Muatasim Al-Zoubi elected to operate in five stages, with the participation of 30 consultants, specialists, and nursing and technical personnel from various disciplines, including anesthesia, intensive care, advanced imaging, and plastic surgery.
Before the operation, Dr. Al Rabeeah estimated the risk level at 50 percent.
Milestone Achievement
The successful surgery on the twins represents the 70th separation procedure undertaken under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, highlighting the kingdom's commitment to humanitarian medical assistance.
