Surgery success for twin babies

Identical twins William and Edward Sallin have survived against the odds thanks to pioneering surgery while they were still in the womb.

Despite being born two months prematurely and having to spend weeks in intensive neonatal care at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, the boys are making good progress.

Mum Helen Bishop, who is married to Mark Sallin, had the boys through a planned Caesarean operation at the hospital on December 14. They were due to be born next week on Valentine's Day.

Edward weighed in at just 2lbs 12oz while William was heavier at 3lbs 8oz but both are now gaining weight steadily.

A scan alerted staff to a possible problem, which tests later confirmed.

When twins are identical and sharing the same placenta in the womb, occasionally one can get too much blood and the other too little. This can put both babies at serious risk.

Helen, 32, of Bishop Street, Shrewsbury, was admitted to the Birmingham Women's Hospital where Prof Mark Kilby, a world leader in obstetric surgery, carried out a laser procedure within the womb to correct the problem.

"We are very thankful that it was a success," said Helen.