Surgeons in India Successfully Extract Rare Parasitic Twins from Infant’s Abdomen

Indian doctors have achieved a remarkable medical feat by successfully removing two parasitic twins from the abdomen of a 20-day-old infant. This rare condition, known as “foetus in foetu,” involves one malformed foetus being absorbed by its host twin during early pregnancy. With fewer than 200 cases reported globally, this surgery marks a significant milestone in pediatric medicine. The infant, who was initially admitted with severe abdominal distress, is now recovering well after the complex procedure.

Understanding Foetus in Foetu

Foetus in foetu is an extremely rare medical condition that occurs when one foetus is absorbed by another during pregnancy. This phenomenon typically arises in cases of multiple pregnancies, where one twin develops abnormally and is enveloped by the host twin. Although the absorbed foetus is not viable, it continues to grow by drawing nutrients from the host. The recent case involved a mother pregnant with triplets, where two of the foetuses began developing inside the abdomen of the 20-day-old baby. This condition is not only rare but also poses significant health risks to the host twin, as seen in previous cases where similar surgeries did not end successfully.

The Surgical Procedure

The surgery to remove the parasitic twins was led by Dr. Anand Sinha at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram. Upon admission, the infant exhibited a bloated abdomen and was unable to eat due to the pressure from the growing foetuses. Initial scans revealed two tumor-like masses within her abdomen, which were identified as the malformed foetuses. Before surgery could be performed, the baby needed to be stabilized due to dehydration and malnourishment. After two days of treatment, a team of around 15 medical professionals conducted the surgery, which lasted approximately two hours. Special equipment was utilized to accommodate the infant’s delicate condition, and great care was taken to avoid damaging surrounding organs during the extraction.

Post-Surgery Recovery and Risks

Following the surgery, Dr. Sinha reported that the baby is healthy and has been discharged from the hospital without complications. The recovery period is critical, as the risk of infection or other complications can be life-threatening. In contrast, a similar case in Kolkata earlier this year resulted in the death of a three-day-old baby after undergoing a similar procedure. Dr. Sinha emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention in cases of foetus in foetu, as delayed treatment can lead to further complications as the individual ages. While these parasitic twins typically do not become cancerous, they can cause various health issues that necessitate medical attention.

Broader Implications and Future Considerations

Foetus in foetu is often diagnosed during pregnancy, but there are instances where the condition goes unnoticed until adulthood. If left untreated, the absorbed foetuses can continue to grow, leading to complications that may require surgical intervention later in life. Medical professionals stress the need for awareness and education regarding this rare condition, as early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. The successful surgery of the 20-day-old infant not only highlights advancements in pediatric surgery but also underscores the importance of prompt medical care in rare and complex cases. As research continues, the medical community hopes to better understand and manage such conditions to enhance patient care and safety.

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