Surgeon cautious about separated twins

OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The surgeon who successfully separated a pair of conjoined twins in Oklahoma City says he is cautious about the infants' chances of survival.

Chief pediatric surgeon Dr. David Tuggle of the The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center said separated conjoined twins Kylee Hope and Preslee Faith Wells are still in very critical condition, The Oklahoman said Friday.

"Our job is not done yet. They have a long way to go," Tuggle said Thursday.

The twins, who were born conjoined on Oct. 25, were separated Monday and have since remained attached to ventilators at the hospital.

Tuggle said the infants still face a variety of potential problems including breathing difficulties and infection.

Despite such cautiousness on the part of Tuggle, the infants' mother told the Oklahoman she is "optimistic" about her children's chances.

"I'm really optimistic," Stevie Stewart said of her twins' recovery. "I'm ready to get them home and watch them grow up."