GOSH Experts Lead the Way at International Conjoined Twins Conference in Riyadh
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) specialists took centre stage at the International Conference on Conjoined Twins in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, held on 24-25 November 2024. Hosted by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), this landmark event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme and marked the first-ever United Nations World Conjoined Twins Day.
The conference brought together leading global experts to explore advancements in the care and separation of conjoined twins. GOSH's delegation was the largest international group in attendance, emphasising the hospital’s reputation as a world leader in paediatric medicine and complex surgical innovation.
GOSH Specialists at the Forefront
The event featured presentations by several distinguished GOSH specialists, showcasing their groundbreaking approaches and unparalleled expertise:
- Mr. Simon Blackburn, Consultant Neonatal and Paediatric Surgeon, addressed the ethical challenges surrounding conjoined twin separation, igniting important discussions on this crucial aspect of care.
- Dr. Felice D’Arco, Consultant Paediatric Neuroradiologist, showcased how multiparametric imaging is transforming presurgical planning for craniopagus twins.
- Professor Paolo De Coppi, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, discussed the future of separation surgery, focusing on the potential of virtual reality and regenerative medicine.
- Professor Owase Jeelani, Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon and Head of Craniofacial Surgery, shared his extensive experience in separating craniopagus twins, offering invaluable insights to attendees.
- Professor Silvia Schievano, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at UCL and the GOS Institute of Child Health, presented on the role of 3D reconstruction in surgical planning, emphasising how cutting-edge technology enhances outcomes.
Celebrating Global Collaboration
The conference served as a platform for sharing knowledge and celebrating Saudi Arabia’s contributions to this specialised field. Since its inception in 1990, the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme has evaluated 143 cases from across the globe, earning international acclaim for its humanitarian achievements.
Chris Rockenbach, Managing Director of International and Commercial at GOSH, expressed his pride in the hospital’s involvement. "GOSH is one of the few places in the world that has so many skilled teams under one roof to care for conjoined twins and give them the best possible treatment. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia and are delighted to share our expertise in celebrating the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme and the UN World Conjoined Twins Day."
A Shared Vision for Progress
The International Conference on Conjoined Twins marks a significant step forward in paediatric care, fostering collaboration among the world’s top medical experts. It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing healthcare and humanitarian efforts in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
Dr. Abdullah Al Moallam, Director of the Health and Environmental Department at KSrelief, praised the involvement of global experts. "We are honoured to host experts from GOSH and other institutions whose insights will advance this specialised field and enrich discussions on the care of conjoined twins."
Leading the Way in Paediatric Care
GOSH’s participation underscores its role as a global leader in paediatric care, particularly for rare and complex conditions. By engaging in events like this, GOSH continues to drive progress in medical science, ensuring the best possible care for children worldwide.
