Ex-conjoined twins return to East Aceh

MEDAN, North Sumatra: After recovering in hospital for a month, two formerly conjoined babies, Mariana and Mariani, were allowed to return home to East Aceh regency on Wednesday.

The release of the two babies was marked by an emotional ceremony at the Adam Malik Hospital, which was attended by family members, hospital staff and doctors.

Mariana and Mariani, 11-month-old girls joined at the abdomen and chest but who have separate internal organs, were successfully separated last month at the hospital. The surgery, which was carried out by 20 doctors, took five hours.

Hospital chief surgeon Guslihan Dasa Tjipta said that the babies were in good health and their weights were rising.

Mariana was now 7.8 kilograms while Mariani was 7.6 kg, he said. -- JP