Conjoined twins separated successfully at Memphis Hospital.

Conjoined twins Joshua and Jacob Spates, born attached at the pelvis and lower spine, have been successfully separated via a 13-hour operation at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

The operation to separate the conjoined twins was dubbed as the most complex procedure ever done in the history of the hospital. It took the surgeons 13 hours to meticulously separate Joshua and Jacob without damaging the lower spine and pelvis where they are connected. They have separate hearts, heads and limbs, though.

“This collaboration of physicians and specialists is the absolute proof of success from years of national recruitment of the best,” Le Bonheur President and CEO Meri Armour was quoted on the report.

“For our team to have successfully separated a case of this complexity and do it flawlessly is a major milestone in health care for the city of Memphis and the region.” Armour added.

Doctors said the twins have health problems that will require ongoing treatment, but said they hope both will be able to walk with braces when they grow up.

Conjoined Twins Photo Credit: AP/Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Lisa Waddell Buser