Separation op for 'Little Fighters'

A set of conjoined twins have been flown to London for separation surgery
12 April 2012

A set of conjoined twins dubbed the "Little Fighters" are due to undergo separation surgery.

Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf's mother appealed for the public to pray for the baby boys, who flew to London from their home in Ireland last month to prepare for the complex operation.

Parents Azzedine and Angie accompanied their sons on a special flight to RAF Northolt in Middlesex from Cork.

The brothers, born in December at University College London Hospital, will undergo the surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

In a statement, the hospital said: "We can confirm that the surgery planned for the conjoined twins case is set to go ahead on Wednesday April 7.

"Angie and Azzedine Benhaffaf would like to thank all the hospitals involved in their boys' care for everything they have done for the family so far, and the public for their good wishes and support."

The surgery on the twins, who have two sisters Malika and Iman, could last up to 20 hours.

Since they arrived home to East Cork in January, a special fund has been set up to help the boys' parents cover medical costs.

Mrs Benhaffaf told the Irish Independent on Tuesday: "We have been overwhelmed by the genuinely supportive response of so many people since the announcement of our Little Fighters' birth. Now as they face this critical operation we renew our appeal for everyone's thoughts and prayers... which will help sustain our boys and our whole family at this most important time."

Edward Kiely, consultant paediatric surgeon at Great Ormond Street, has said surgical staff at the hospital are the most experienced in Europe at assessing and, if necessary, separating conjoined twins.

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