Teen's Life Transformed Following Rare Surgery to Remove Parasitic Twin

Doctors in Delhi have performed a rare and complex surgery to remove a parasitic twin from a 17-year-old boy. This unique procedure, which had only been attempted a handful of times before, has freed the teen from social ridicule and health complications, allowing him to embrace a new chapter in his life.

In a remarkable medical feat, surgeons at Aiims Hospital in Delhi, India, have successfully operated on a 17-year-old boy to remove a rare parasitic twin that was attached to his abdomen. This type of twin, known for being underdeveloped and reliant on the host for survival, occurs in fewer than one in 100,000 births. The teenager, who had fully formed legs, buttocks, and even external genitalia weighing almost 15 kg, underwent an intensive two-hour surgery, led by Dr. Asuri Krishna.

Dr. Krishna noted the complexity of the case, emphasizing the rarity and challenges faced due to the boy's age, as most documented surgeries of this nature occur in younger children. The teen’s parasitic twin was intricately connected to his body, relying on blood flow from a chest vessel, but lacked links to major organs such as the liver or kidneys. Initial scans revealed significant interconnections, including a large abdominal cyst.

The surgical procedure consisted of two main stages: first, removing the parasitic twin and subsequently treating the cyst. The team, composed of specialists from various medical fields, had to navigate through a network of shared blood vessels and tissue, ensuring the host twin's organs remained undamaged. At one critical moment during the surgery, the patient's blood pressure dropped as a significant portion of his blood was diverted to the parasitic twin, but the skilled team quickly stabilized his condition.

Just four days post-surgery, the boy was discharged healthy and complication-free. Previously, his condition had led to teasing and social isolation in his hometown of Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, causing significant distress and forcing him out of school. However, with the surgery behind him, the teenager expressed joy and optimism, eager to pursue his education and seek employment. "A new world has opened up to me," he said, reflecting his newfound hope for an active and fulfilling life.