Specialist joining talks on twins op

One of the most experienced surgeons in the UK is expected to be involved in talks today over whether to separate conjoined twin girls born to a Shropshire teenager.

Faith and Hope Williams are being looked after at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and an operation to separate them could take place in the next week.

Parents Laura and Aled Williams, of Harlescott, Shrewsbury, will make the final decision on what will happen following a meeting with doctors today.

Mrs Williams, 18, gave birth to the twins by Caesarean section last Wednesday at University Hospital in London.

Hayley Dodman, spokeswoman for the children's hospital, said the case was being led by Professor Agostino Pierro.

She said: "We have the two most experienced surgeons in the UK in this work leading a team of expert nurses, doctors, and other health professionals, providing the full range of expertise needed."

She added: "The prospects for conjoined twins vary widely according to how well the children are and in particular how they are joined, and what organs are joined or shared."

The second specialist in conjoined twins is professor Edward Kiely, who also works at the hospital.

Miss Dodman added that success for planned separation at Great Ormond Street was more than 80 per cent.

"Survival of both twins is more common than not," she said.