Doctors at a city hospital successfully removed two parasitic twins from the abdomen of a one-month-old infant in what medical experts call an exceptionally rare case of foetus in foetu.
Understanding the Condition
Foetus in foetu occurs in approximately one in 500,000 live births. The anomaly develops early in pregnancy when one foetal sac surrounds and traps another, preventing the trapped foetus from growing or surviving. In this case, the mother had conceived triplets, but two foetuses were absorbed by one sibling during gestation.
Globally, fewer than 300 such cases of Parasitic Twins have been documented. Even more rarely, only about one-tenth involve multiple parasitic foetuses, making this Gurgaon case especially unusual.
Infant’s Critical Presentation
As reported by TOI, the infant, from Nuh, was brought to Fortis Gurgaon on July 27 with a swollen abdomen. According to the family, the baby struggled with feeding and appeared irritable.
Initial examination and imaging revealed abnormal growth inside the abdominal cavity, later confirmed to be two malformed foetuses enclosed within a single sac.
Stabilisation Before Surgery
Dr. Anand Sinha, Director of Paediatric Surgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, explained the infant’s condition. “When the baby was presented to us, she was malnourished and dehydrated because of inadequate oral intake. The foetuses were pressing on the stomach and intestines, causing pain and reduced appetite.”
Doctors first stabilised the baby with intravenous nutritional supplements before attempting surgery.
Precision Surgery on a Newborn
On July 30, surgeons performed a complex two-hour operation to remove the parasitic foetuses. The greatest challenge was extracting the malformed foetuses intact without damaging critical organs such as the intestines, pancreas, stomach, liver, kidneys, and major blood vessels.
“This was a rare and challenging case both in terms of diagnosis and surgical management,” Dr. Sinha noted. “To find not one, but two malformed foetuses inside a one-month-old infant was truly exceptional. Operating on such a young newborn required absolute precision.”
Advanced Paediatric Surgical Support
The surgical team, with more than 15 years of experience in neonatal cases, relied on advanced techniques and specialised equipment. A paediatric anaesthetist supported the procedure.
“To maintain body temperature, we use heating pads under the infant. We also rely on neonatal-sized equipment, such as small operating tables, arterial lines, and ECG leads,” Dr. Sinha explained. “For surgery, paediatric surgeons operate with magnifying loupes and micro-sized instruments to ensure accuracy.”
Smooth Recovery and Discharge
The infant recovered well after surgery and was discharged on August 8. Dr. Sinha stressed that unlike tumours, foetus in foetu is typically non-cancerous and carries an extremely low risk of recurrence once removed.
“These are malformed foetal structures that do not divide uncontrollably, unlike malignant growths. This case not only adds to global medical literature but also highlights the importance of advanced paediatric surgery facilities in India,” he said.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Commenting on prevention and detection, Dr. Sinha emphasised the role of prenatal imaging. “Ultrasound scans during pregnancy can detect such abnormalities and should be encouraged. Parents must remain vigilant about symptoms, as timely consultation and treatment are key to saving lives.”