Photos/Video: Conjoined Nigerian twins successfully separated at U.S. hospital

Conjoined twins from Nigeria have been successfully separated after a complex operation at a Tennessee hospital days before their first birthday.

Miracle and Testimony Ayeni were separated during 18 hours of surgery that began on November 7 and ended on November 8th at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital,.

Memphis, spokeswoman Anne Glanker said.

"Miracle and Testimony Ayeni came to Le Bonheur six months ago seeking help. They were born conjoined at the lower half of their bodies, sharing multiple organs. Connected, these girls would never be able to walk or ride a bike or even grow up to have families of their own. But last week, our expert surgical team performed a complex 18-hour surgery, successfully separating the twins. Today, their parents are able to hold them separately," the hospital said.

The twins were joined together at the pelvis, a condition that occurs in one of about 5 million births, said Dr. Max Langham, who led the surgery team.

"Without separation, their future wasn't very good," Langham said at a news conference on Tuesday. "They would grow up inconsistent, unable to walk, totally dependent for all of their care and unable to participate in the world fully."

On Wednesday, November 16th, the family had another reason to celebrate as it was the twins' first birthday.