Conjoined Ayeni Twins Separated in U.S After 18-hour Operation

Photo Credit: Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. November 8 2016

Miracle and Testimony Ayeni, the conjoined twins born in Enugu have been successfully separated at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

The children who were conjoined at the lower half of the body, which is known as ischiopagus, went through an 18-hour surgery to be separated.

“Without separation, their future wasn’t very good,” Dr. Max Langham who led the operation said at a news conference.

“They would grow up incontinent, unable to walk, totally dependent for all of their care and unable to participate in the world fully,” Langham added.

Photo Credit: Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Miracle and Testimony before their surgery September 6, 2016

The hospital also said that the children are doing very well and that doctors are optimistic about the long term prognosis.

The children were born at  St. Patrick Hospital, Enugu on November 16 2015, and were referred to University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.

With the support of Arik Air, Linking Hands Foundation, and actress, Caroline Danjuma, the twins and their parents were flown to the U.S in June.

BN also advocated for the release of the children after UNTH refused to release the medical reports, including an MRI and CT Scan to several hospitals in the United States of America who had expressed interest in the case.

They celebrated their first birthday on Wednesday.