Twins meet 'miracle' surgeon who saved their lives

Eight-month-old twins from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, have met the surgeon who saved their lives before they were born.

Katerina Ahouansou was six months pregnant with the boys when a routine scan identified a problem with their development and blood supply.

She was referred to Professor Kypros Nicolaides, at King's College Hospital, London who specialises in a laser technique that redistributes blood supply.

Ms Ahouansou said the professor was "proof that miracles can be performed by people who are devotees to their profession."

The twins were diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a condition whereby one twin receives more blood and nourishment than the other due to vessels in the placenta not being evenly distributed.

Professor Nicolaides said he saw that one twin was a third bigger than the other when he scanned Ms Ahouansou.

"There was a very high chance that if we didn't intervene, both twins could die," he said.

An improvement in the size of the smaller twin was apparent within a week after the operation.

The twins, born weighing 1.5kg and 1.7kg, were named Kai Kypros and Asher Nicolas in honour of the surgeon.

"He is an amazing man – he gives life," said Ms Ahouansou, a mum of 11.

Professor Nicolaides has worked at King's College Hospital since 1980 and is a pioneer of fetal medicine, having researched and developed screening and surgical techniques in pregnancy.

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