A set of twin babies conjoined at the lower abdomen have undergone a successful surgery that saw both separated with their organs intact.
Twins, Mannat and Jannat
Twin sisters Mannat and Jannat were born conjoined at the lower chest and abdomen, a condition known medically as omphalopagus and had a combined weight of just 6.6 lbs.
The babies were delivered at a private hospital in Barara, a town in Ambala district, near Chandigarh, on August 27. They were then transferred to a larger hospital - Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) - for specialist treatment.
Dr Ravi Kanojia, associate professor at the department of paediatric surgery, said: "This is a rare case scenario and a surgeon would be fortunate to see a couple of cases in his or her lifetime."
The twins shared a liver but other vital organs were separate. A 30-member team worked for eight hours to separate the twins, ensuring each baby had enought of the vital organ to live a normal life, on November 23.
The twins' father, Mohammad Saleem, a labourer who earns only £4 a day and so could not afford basic treatment for his daughters hailed the dedication of medical staff at PGIMER.
His wife, Sonia, said: "We have been worried about our children for the last three months but God answered our prayers."
See photos after the cut...
The doctors that performed the 8hours surgery