Muscat – An Omani medical team has successfully performed the sultanate’s first separation surgery for conjoined twins of the rare Omphaloischiopagus type. The 19-hour procedure, which involved complex separations in the pelvic area, intestines, urinary system and blood vessels, marks a major milestone in Oman’s medical history.

The surgery was conducted under the direct supervision of H E Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, with a multidisciplinary team from The Royal Hospital, Khoula Hospital, Medical City Hospital for Military and Security Services, and Nizwa Hospital. The twins are currently in intensive care and their condition steadily improving.

Dr Mohammed Jaafar al Sajwani, Senior Consultant Pediatric Surgeon at Royal Hospital and head of the surgical team, said, “Conjoined twins are an extremely rare condition. Many do not survive before or after birth due to congenital abnormalities. Pelvic conjoinment, in this case among girls, is even rarer and presents significant surgical challenges.”

The medical team followed the case from pregnancy, coordinating with obstetricians and specialists. “We decided to perform the surgery in Oman and oversee their treatment. The birth was smooth, and over 11 months, we conducted extensive imaging and planning. On February 7, 2025, after 19 hours of surgery, the twins were successfully separated,” Dr Sajwani added.

Dr Ali al Jabri, Senior Consultant in Neonatal Intensive Care, highlighted the detailed institutional plan that spanned nearly a year, involving specialists from various fields. “Daily monitoring and coordination between surgeons, anaesthetists, plastic surgeons and radiologists was crucial for the success of this surgery.”

Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr Masoud al Abdali was entrusted with forming the pediatric orthopedic surgical team.

Dr Shaykhan al Hashemi, Consultant Pediatric Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, said, “The goal of separation was to preserve vital tissues, nerves and major arteries of  both children.”

Saeed al Muslahi, father of the now-separated conjoined twins, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was somewhat frightening, but when we came to the hospital, they assured us that everything would be fine. The surgery lasted 19 hours and, thank God, it was a success.”