Indian Surgeons Successfully Remove 17-Year-Old Boy’s Rare Parasitic Twin in Groundbreaking Surgery

According to Dr Asuri Krishna, additional professor of surgery who led the specialist team and conducted the two-and-a-half hour surgery on February 8,  the 17-year-old was a rare case, only one of 40 such cases reported globally

Doctors in India have performed a rare and life-changing surgery to remove a 17-year-old boy’s parasitic twin, a condition that occurs when one fetus stops developing but remains attached and dependent on its twin. Such cases are estimated to occur in only 1 in 100,000 births, with fewer than 50 documented worldwide. Most reported surgeries have been performed on younger children, making this case a significant medical breakthrough.

The teenager, from a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, had lived his entire life with two fully formed legs, buttocks, and external genitalia protruding from his abdomen. The additional limbs, which doctors determined to be part of his undeveloped twin, were capable of sensing pain, touch, and changes in temperature. The boy faced severe stigma due to his condition, which restricted his mobility and social interactions. Speaking after the surgery, he expressed his relief and optimism for the future, stating, "A new world has opened up to me. I couldn't travel anywhere or do any physical activity. I hope to study and get a job."

The surgical team, led by Dr. Asuri Krishna at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, had to rely on their expertise, intuition, and skill due to the rarity of the condition and the limited medical literature available. Extensive scans revealed that the parasitic twin was attached to the teenager’s breastbone and was receiving blood from a vessel in his chest, though it had no significant connection to major organs such as the liver or kidneys. A cyst was also discovered in his abdomen, further complicating the procedure. The biggest challenge, according to Dr. Krishna, was the complete lack of prior surgical experience with such a case. However, with meticulous planning and imaging, the team was able to develop a precise surgical approach.

The surgery was conducted in two phases. First, the surgeons carefully removed the parasitic limbs, meticulously separating the shared blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. One of the major concerns was the potential involvement of the host’s internal organs, but fortunately, no such complications were present. The second phase involved extracting the cyst, which was intertwined with the abdominal wall, bowel, and liver. During the procedure, the boy’s blood pressure dropped dangerously as 30 to 40 percent of his blood supply had been flowing to the parasitic twin. However, the medical team had anticipated this risk and acted swiftly to stabilize him.

In just two and a half hours, the teenager was freed from 17 years of suffering. Dr. Krishna later celebrated the success on social media, stating, “Seventeen years of stigma and suffering – ended in just two and a half hours.” He further added, “Four days post-surgery, he walked out of the hospital – ready to reclaim his life. This is the power of medical science and teamwork, transforming not just a body but a future.”

This extraordinary case stands as a testament to the advancements in medical science and the dedication of healthcare professionals in tackling rare and complex conditions.