New Delhi/Gurugram: In a rarely reported case, Doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, successfully removed two parasitic twins (malformed babies) from the abdomen of a one-month-old baby girl. Diagnosed with fetus in fetu - a rare congenital anomaly known to medical science - this case marks a significant achievement in neonatal care.
This condition is estimated to occur in approximately 1 in 500,000 live births worldwide, making it a rare medical occurrence. Most reported cases are detected in infancy or early childhood, though some have been reported in adults as well. Globally, fewer than 300 cases of fetus in fetu - single fetus developing within another newborn have been reported to date, while instances involving multiple parasitic foetuses are even rarer, with only about 35 cases documented worldwide.
The case came to light when the one-month-old patient (baby girl) was brought to Fortis Gurugram with complaints of a swollen abdomen, excessive irritability and feeding difficulties. Initial examinations and imaging revealed abnormal growth inside her abdominal cavity. Further imaging confirmed that the child was carrying two malformed babies within her abdominal cavity.
This rare condition happens early in pregnancy, when one baby surrounds and traps another inside its body. The trapped baby cannot grow or survive. In this baby’s case, both malformed babies were enclosed within a single sac, making it an exceptional medical rarity.
Evaluating the condition, the pediatric surgical team at Fortis Gurugram planned the surgery after stabilising the infant. With over 15 years of experience in handling critical newborn cases, the team used advanced surgical techniques and neonatal equipment to ensure precision and safety.
A specialised pediatric anesthesiologist was involved in the surgery and post-procedure care. The baby responded well and continued to show steady signs of recovery under close monitoring.
Giving details of the case, Dr. Anand Sinha, Director, Pediatric Surgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, "This was a rare and challenging case both in terms of diagnosis and surgical management. Fetus in fetu is a condition we rarely come across, and to find not one, but two malformed babies enclosed in a single sac inside a one-month-old infant was truly exceptional.
The biggest challenge was operating on such a young newborn with absolute precision. Post-operative intensive care also needs to be very thorough to avoid any mishaps. Pain relief in small newborns is also challenging. What’s important to understand is that this condition, while rare, is not cancerous. Once removed, the chances of recurrence are extremely low.
These are not tumorous growths but malformed fetal structures that do not divide uncontrollably. The child’s recovery so far has been very encouraging. This case adds to global medical literature on fetus in fetu and reaffirms the importance of advanced pediatric surgery facilities in India.”
Yash Rawat, Vice-President & Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, said, “This was an exceptionally rare and complex case, distinguished not only by its clinical uniqueness but also by the meticulous care with which it was managed. Dr. Anand and his team demonstrated outstanding expertise, coordination and attention to detail throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.
Successfully handling such an uncommon case reflects both the depth of their medical knowledge and their commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. Cases of this nature are seldom encountered and demand a high level of precision, critical thinking and teamwork - all of which were clearly evident in the management of this patient."