Surgeons separate conjoined twins

[Rocol]

Surgeons have separated a pair of conjoined twins in a 16-hour operation in the US.
Four-year-olds Kendra and Maliyah Herrin were born with their bodies joined at the abdomen and with one pelvis.

They also shared a kidney and a liver while each controlled one leg.

Their father Jake Herrin said: "We'd just like to formally announce that we have two separate little girls."

Details of the girls' conditions were not released but doctors in Utah have warned they face a long road to recovery.

Maliyah will be placed on dialysis until a kidney transplant can be found.
The twins were taken into hospital several weeks ago so that doctors could begin stretching their skin.

A child psychologist also prepared them mentally by giving them conjoined-twin dolls.
"We've learned so much throughout the four years," said their mother Erin Herrin.

"We can't really put it into words how this day has been. It's changed our lives forever and I hope soon we will be able to find the blessing of them being separated."

Excellent news that they are both still alive, even though they may face many years of life saving operations. I hope that all goes well for the, now, 2 kids and that they survive to enjoy a happy life

I wish them both well

[TGLucario]

me too Crystal....i hope they have a great life

[Setarime]

I echo the above sentiments, lets hope they both have a long and healthy life

[baps]

thats fantastic! as everyone else is saying thoughts and prayers are with these two special little girls may they have long and extreemly happy lives

[Arwen]

God bless them both and i hope they live a long and happy life

[Saurgrist]

Glad the surgery worked out, hope there aren't too many complications for them.

[yankeesdood16]

Yea I'm glad that the surgery worked out too and I hope that they end up doing ok.