TV Scope: The theme of this one-hour documentary was separation. After 25 years Prof Lewis Spitz, head of paediatric surgery at Great Ormond Street hospital, London was retiring not only from medicine but also from a very special surgical partnership with Mr Ed Kiely.
For over two decades they had developed the technique of surgical separation of conjoint twins, building the hospitals international reputation for this innovative procedure. The programme celebrated their success and gave viewers an insight into the complex and groundbreaking world these doctors have inhabited as medical partners since the 1970s.
Separating conjoint twins is not only surgically complicated but is often done in the public eye. There is a one in five chance of death as a result of surgery. We were reminded that until quite recent times "Siamese twins" were seen as a freak occurrence, often put on display for public amusement. Existing as a conjoint twin is difficult and often incompatible with life but with surgical advancement many have been offered an opportunity to live independent, fulfilled lives.
Although most of the programme was taken up with tracking the progress of six-months-old conjoint twins from Nigeria, these scenes were interwoven with archive footage of other twins who had been separated and interviews with their families.
Msendoo (meaning prayer is good) and Iveren (blessing) were born to impoverished parents in rural Nigeria. Not able to avail of prenatal scans the parents were unaware that they were expecting twins. Following their birth their family accepted them as a gift from God. But the reaction of others was not so positive. Some advised the parents to get rid of the children; they were considered to be "not human" and should be thrown away. Fortunately for the family a state governor's wife came across them while in hospital and raised the necessary funds to send them to England for surgery.
Although unable to speak English, through a translator the fears and hopes of their parents were heard over scenes of Iveren and Msendoo's surgical journey. We saw at first hand the bravery of both surgeons and their team during and after the procedure and their combined heroic efforts to keep these two tiny babies alive and well.
One of the first separations undertaken by the Prof, as he is known by his staff and Ed Kiely, consultant paediatric surgeon, was on Holly and Carly Reich. Their mother spoke of the events 20 years ago that saw Carly, who was suffering from a hole in her heart, being separated from her sister Holly before the heart condition could kill both of them. Unfortunately Carly died one month later but Holly is now a beautiful and vibrant young woman who approaches life as if living it for two.
The programme concluded with a surprise retirement party where the Prof was greeted by many of the patients and their parents. Some twins were on their own, a poignant reminder that this type of procedure carries heavy risks. A young woman in her teens from the Republic was also in attendance. The pride this remarkable surgeon radiated was not as a result of self-conceit but a reflection of his delight in his remarkable patients. He has given them a second chance and every one of them grabbed it with both hands.
As the credits rolled we saw Iveren and Msendoo leaving the hospital. Their return to Nigeria was greeted with great joy by their doctors and relations. Unfortunately at eleven months, Iveren died of unknown causes.
This was a beautiful story of a remarkable man and Malcolm Brinkworth the producer is to be congratulated on his humane and non-voyeuristic portrayal to such a sensitive subject.
• Marion Kerr is an occupational therapist and freelance writer