02/12/2008

Operation To Separate Conjoined Twins Begins

Surgeons at Great Ormond Street Hospital are attempting to separate conjoined twins who were born last week.

The twin girls - Faith and Hope - were born last Wednesday, 26 November, and are joined from their breastbone to their naval, sharing a liver, but having separate hearts.

Their mother, Laura Williams, 18, from Shrewsbury, became Britain's youngest mother to give birth to conjoined twins. They were born by Caesarean section at London's University College Hospital.

Mrs Williams, and her 28-year-old husband Aled, from Anglesey in Wales, already have an 18-month-old daughter Carly.

The operation to separate the twins was due to take place later in the week, however, it was brought forward after concerns developed on Monday night, the hospital said.

A Great Ormond Street Hospital spokeswoman said: "The separation of conjoined twins Faith and Hope Williams has been brought forward and is currently taking place, after some concerns developed last night.

"Obviously, the final decision about separation surgery was made by the family."

The spokeswoman added: "Laura and Aled Williams would like to thank all the hospitals involved in their care for everything they have done for the family so far, in particular, the surgeons and other staff who are currently in surgery conducting separation."

(JM)

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