Twins separated in rare operation thriving, says surgeon

Conjoined twins separated at Waikato Hospital in rarely attempted surgery are doing well eight months on, reports paediatric surgeon Askar Kukkady.

When the babies were born early in 2004 they were joined at the lower spine and pelvis. They shared more than one organ but their family forbade the hospital from revealing any details about how they were shared.

The family has maintained its wish that no personal or clinical details are revealed about the twins.

Speaking on behalf of the family today, Mr Kukkady said he had been in "constant touch" with the twins since their separation.

The pair were growing up and doing things like other children their age.

"I and other members of the team are very pleased with the way things have gone," he said.

"They have needed to come to hospital a few times and have also had some reconstructive surgery."

There had not been any major concerns since the operation in October, Mr Kukkady said.

However, it was likely that they would need further investigations and possibly surgery in the months and years to come.

"The family have coped very well with the separation and they have been able to lead a reasonably normal life thanks to the fact that their identity has not become public knowledge."

Mr Kukkady said the family was deeply indebted to the media for respecting their privacy, and hoped this would continue.

- NZPA