Doctors at Qatar’s first specialist women’s and children’s hospital, Sidra Medicine, have successfully separated conjoined twins, marking a first for the country. Twin boys Tamim and Hamad, who were joint at the liver and lower sternum, were operated successfully by the Sidra doctors.
The inspiring medical success story involved a huge multidisciplinary team of experts from across the hospital.
Parents of Tamim and Hamad are from West African country Mali. The twin’s mother was seen during her 29th week of pregnancy at Hamad Medical Cooperation (HMC), while on a visit from Mali to Qatar.
Dr. Abdulla Al Kaabi, Chief Medical Officer, Sidra Medicine: “What a proud moment for the team at Sidra Medicine and the healthcare network in Qatar. Today’s case is also indicative that we remain committed to our mission to provide children and women with outstanding tertiary healthcare services in an innovative and ultramodern facility specially designed to promote healing. The success of this surgery is a testament to the investment made by the State of Qatar in medical services, people and technology, that allows a hospital like ours to offer cutting-edge patient and family centered care. It also establishes Sidra Medicine as a key contender in the region to handle complex pediatric diseases.”
Dr. Helmut Hummler, Chief of Neonatology, Sidra Medicine: “This success would not have been possible without many weeks of extremely dedicated medical, nursing and allied health staff caring 24/7 for these twins in our Neonatal ICU. This is a true landmark story showcasing the extensive collaboration between Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation.”
Dr. Michael Levis, Division Chief of Pediatric Anaesthesiology, Sidra Medicine: “There were three critical components that helped us achieve a successful outcome: first, careful planning; second, anticipation of and preparation for any conceivable complication especially via our simulation sessions; third - and most importantly - clear communication between surgical, anesthetic, and nursing teams, all of which culminated in an incredibly robust and healthy team dynamic.”
We’re proud to have performed SidraMedicine’s first conjoined twin separation surgery and happy to have been able to support the family through the process #twinning pic.twitter.com/OJ2d3O5SJH
— Sidra Medicine (@SidraMedicine) October 10, 2018
Dr. Karen Bradshaw, Snr. Attending Physician, Radiology and Body Imaging, Sidra Medicine: “I am incredibly proud of the role of our radiology team during all stages of this milestone surgery – from the initial detailed ultrasound to the subsequent CT and MRI scans which enabled us to prepare the 3D model of the twin’s abdomen. The 3D model was printed based on the specifications from the scans and was used as part of the pre-surgery planning process. It is a key feature that sets our services apart here in Qatar and the region. The success of this surgery was a fantastic showcase of a multidisciplinary team spirit and how different pediatric specialties work together for the best possible patient outcomes.”
The father said: “We tried to explore international options for surgery until we found out about Sidra Medicine. We are immensely grateful to the Government of Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medicine for their tireless efforts to save the lives of our boys.”
Less than te10 days after separation, four-month old Hamad and Tamim are recovering and are back to normal feeds and expected to lead a normal life.
They were born at HMC and separated at Sidra.
Tag: Qatar , Local News , Sidra Medicine , conjoined twins