Surgeons Successfully Remove Parasitic Twins from Infant’s Abdomen

A team of Indian surgeons has successfully removed two parasitic foetuses from the abdomen of a 20-day-old infant at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, India. The rare condition, known as foetus in foetu, affects fewer than 200 cases worldwide, with a handful reported in India. This condition arises when a malformed foetus is absorbed by its twin during early pregnancy.

The baby’s mother was initially pregnant with triplets, but complications arose when two foetuses began to grow within the abdomen of the newborn. According to Dr. Anand Sinha, the paediatric surgeon who led the operation, the infant presented with a bloated abdomen, irritability, and an inability to eat, which were caused by the pressure exerted by the parasitic twins.

A scan revealed two tumour-like structures within the infant’s abdomen, prompting the medical team to act. However, surgery could not be performed right away due to the baby’s dehydration and malnourishment. After stabilizing her condition over two days, the surgical team of approximately 15 doctors proceeded with the operation, which lasted around two hours.

Challenges of the Operation

During the surgery, the medical team faced significant challenges. The foetuses were attached to critical organs such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines, necessitating careful extraction to avoid damage. “Throughout the surgery, the baby’s temperature was monitored, and measures were taken to ensure minimal blood loss,” Dr. Sinha explained. The use of specialized equipment was essential, given the infant’s delicate size.

The infant was discharged from the hospital a month after the successful procedure, and there have been no reported complications to date. Dr. Sinha emphasized the importance of the recovery period, noting that infections or other complications could be fatal for the child.

This incident follows a similar case in Kolkata earlier in 2024, where a three-day-old baby died the day after undergoing surgery to remove two malformed foetuses. Dr. Sinha pointed out that while foetus in foetu is often diagnosed during pregnancy, some cases may go undetected until adulthood, where they can cause various health issues.

Understanding Foetus in Foetu

Foetus in foetu is a rare condition that occurs when one twin absorbs the other during early stages of pregnancy. Although the absorbed foetus does not develop into a viable entity, it continues to grow by drawing nutrients from the host twin. If not identified and removed early, these parasitic twins can grow larger as the host ages, potentially leading to complications.

Dr. Sinha noted that while these foetuses typically do not turn cancerous, they can cause significant problems that will eventually necessitate detection and intervention. The successful removal of the parasitic twins from this infant highlights the importance of prompt medical attention in such rare cases.