THE surgeons who separated Siamese twins Jodie and Mary told today of the emotional moment they made the final incision, which would end the life of the weaker sister.

Mary inevitably would die - but the moment was also crucial to stronger Jodie's life. Adrian Bianchi said: ''The room went quiet and we all looked at each other. It was very poignant.

''But our thoughts were with Jodie as well as Mary. This was the critical moment when her heart may have stopped functioning and the whole procedure may have been an entire tragedy.''

Despite the anguish Mr Bianchi, consultant neonatal/paediatric surgeon, and Alan Dickson, consultant paediatric surgeon, are confident they did what was best for both babies.

And today they remained hugely encouraged by the remarkable progress Jodie has made since the operation at Manchester's St Mary's Hospital.

Mr Dickson told the Manchester Evening News: ''We aim to save the lives of children and get the best quality of life for those children. If the twins had remained conjoined, it would have meant the loss of life for both, and probably fairly soon.

''We don't see it that we sacrificed one child to save another. We did the best we could for each of the twins.'' Both consultants also stressed there was never any conflict with the parents.

Mr Bianchi said: ''The issue was taken to court because the health trust had to seek legal advice on what was a medical or moral dilemma.

''This would have had to go to court whether the parents had consented to the operation or not. But I think they felt better to have the decision taken out of their hands.''

Both consultants made special visits to the babies' bedside before the operation.

Mr Dickson said: ''Mr Bianchi spent time with the twins and parents the night before, but I felt I wanted to see them on the day of the operation.

''I felt very emotional on the way in and while I was with the parents. But once I got into theatre my focus was on the procedure ahead of me.''

After the separation, the medical team divided to concentrate their efforts on each of the sisters. Mr Dickson continued work on Mary, mainly to give her as much dignity as he could for her burial.

He said: ''Afterwards her parents were able to hold her for the first time. Her father movingly said 'Now she is free'.'' Ten days later, staff joined the family for a memorial service at the hospital.

Mr Bianchi said: ''Many people were in tears. I was so choked afterwards I could hardly talk.''

But amid the sorrow Jodie's amazing progress provided a constant ray of light. Within 36 hours of the operation she was feeding from a bottle and breathing unaided.

Mr Bianchi said: ''Jodie has everything in the right place, has very few scars and there is no reason why she shouldn't grow up to lead a relatively normal life - and even have children.''

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