In pictures: Run-up to op

1 of 7 Conjoined Egyptian twins Mohamed (L) and Ahmed are undergoing the risky separation procedure in the US

2 of 7 Preparations for the operation have been going on for a long time

3 of 7 Pressure points have had to be massaged in the run-up to surgery

4 of 7 Doctors said a special operating table had been built to minimise disruptive movement during the operation

5 of 7 Every little exercise appears to be a strain for the twins, playing here in the kitchen

6 of 7 And their father says he wants to give the twins a chance for a normal life

7 of 7 Experts say the children have age on their side - their young bones and tissue might be able to cope with the strain better