Filipino Conjoined Twins Olivia and Gianna Undergo Separation Surgery in Riyadh

In implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the medical and surgical teams of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme (SCTP) began the complex procedure of separating the Filipino conjoined twins, Olivia and Gianna. The surgery is taking place today at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) at King Abdulaziz Medical City of the Ministry of National Guard in Riyadh.

 In a statement to the press, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and head of the surgical team for the SCTP Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah stated that the Filipino conjoined twins arrived in the Kingdom on January 27, 2026, at the age of two years and two months.

 Following their admission to King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, the medical team conducted comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and extensive examinations and held a series of multidisciplinary meetings. The assessments revealed that the twins were conjoined at the chest and abdomen, sharing a liver and possibly a portion of the intestines. The examinations also showed that one of the twins was suffering from congenital heart defects, which posed a significant risk to her health.

 He further explained that a tissue-expansion procedure had been performed using medical balloons implanted beneath the skin, providing sufficient skin coverage to assist in closing the surgical incisions after the twins' separation.

 Dr. Al Rabeeah explained that the operation is planned to be conducted in six stages and is expected to last approximately eight hours, with the participation of 22 consultants, specialists, nurses, and technical personnel. He noted that the procedure is highly complex and delicate, with an anticipated success rate exceeding 70%. He further stated that this is the fourth separation surgery performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme for twins from the Philippines, and the 72nd separation to date.

 Since its establishment in 1990, the SCTP has provided care for 158 sets of conjoined twins from 28 countries across five continents.