Conjoined twin sisters aged just 18 months have been successfully separated after a complex 15-hour operation carried out by a team of nearly 60 expert medics.

The girls, named only as Kiraz and Aruna, underwent the painstaking procedure in Goiania, in the state of Goias, Brazil, on 10th May.

The pair were born joined at the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, sharing several vital organs and a common lower body, including three legs and a fused pelvis.

Their condition was classified as tripus ischiopagus, making it one of the most challenging separations ever attempted in the country.

The sisters are currently recovering in the State Hospital for Children and Adolescents intensive care unit and are said to be in a stable condition.

Once they have recovered from the separation op, they are set to undergo a stage of tissue and organ reconstruction procedures.

Hospital officials say a team of 16 surgeons worked in four-hour shifts to complete the separation as quickly as possible.

A support team of dozens of specialist nurses, paediatric experts, radiologists and technicians backed up the surgeons.

Lead surgeon Dr Zacharias Calil explained: "There are around 16 surgeons involved, including four anaesthetists, residents, three urologists, paediatricians and orthopaedists."

The BRL 2 million (GBP 310,000) cost of the op was met by Brazils' public health system.

Months before the op the operating theatre was fitted with state-of-the-art kits to give the sisters the best chance of survival.

Kiraz and Aruna had been under close observation by Dr Calil since early infancy as he prepared them for separation.

Skin expanders were inserted six months ago to generate sufficient tissue for post-operative reconstruction.

During April, the girls attended biweekly check-ups and weekly hospital visits to monitor growth and maintain a strict vaccination schedule.