ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) The head of the Mayo Clinic medical team that successfully separated five-month-old conjoined twins says he expects the girls will spend at least a few weeks in intensive care.

Doctors say the girls shouldn't need any additional surgery for now, though it's possible they may need surgery when they're older if their chests don't form properly on their own.

Abygail and Madysen Fitterer of Bismarck, North Dakota, were born joined at the chest. Surgeons separated the girls' chests and then fit their hearts back into their individual bodies.

Doctors were able to cover most of Madysen's heart with the chest wall and used a synthetic patch for the rest, but they had to use a larger plastic patch to cover nearly all of Abygail's heart.

The medical team included 40-to-45 doctors, nurses and others who were involved in the surgery.

Abygail and Madysen are the daughters of Stacy and Suzy Fitterer, who thanked the team for giving the girls a chance at normal life.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-03-07 2002CST | save this article / add to your favorites list