Saudi- Twin's parents thank king

(MENAFN- Arab News) The iraqi parents of conjoined twins separated through surgery in riyadh on thursday have expressed their deep appreciation to custodian of the two holy mosques king abdullah of his generosity in ordering the surgery

'we are very thankful to the king for his noble gesture" the parents said

King adbullah issued directives for the surgery to be conducted on christ and christian in riyadh at the king abdulaziz medical city (kamc) on a request from the parents

The twins underwent an operation to separate them from their lower chest and abdomen which was performed over six phases. the surgery lasted six hours and 40 minutes

This is the 32nd such surgery performed by a 23-member multidisciplinary team headed by health minister dr. abdullah al-rabeeah

'the kingdom has helped conjoined twins from 16 countries to lead normal lives following separation surgeries conducted in the kingdom" he said

Conjoined twins are separated free of charge at the king abdulaziz medical city national guard health affairs in riyadh on directives issued by king abdullah.

Travel expenses for the twins and their parents are covered by the saudi government. in addition accommodation costs are covered by hospital authorities until the twins are discharged

The kingdom has conducted surgeries on conjoined twins from sudan yemen egypt malaysia the philippines poland morocco and iraq.

Christ and christian are in stable condition and all their vital organs and systems are working normally according to al-rabeeah. 'the twins are completely alert and interacting with their parents and staff like other three-month-old babies.

Al-rabeeah indicated that the twins would probably be fed orally over the next couple of days.