Doctors Remove 15kg ‘Parasitic Twin’ from Teen in Rare Surgery

In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, successfully performed a rare surgery to remove a 15 kg ‘parasitic twin’ from a 17-year-old boy from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. This condition, known as parasitic twinning, occurs when one twin develops fully while the other remains underdeveloped and dependent. With only 40 such cases documented worldwide, this surgery is a significant milestone in medical history.

A Lifetime of Struggles Due to an Unusual Condition

Since birth, the teenager had been living with two extra lower limbs and underdeveloped male genitalia attached to his abdomen. These limbs grew proportionally with him and even had sensations, including pain, touch, and temperature sensitivity. Despite facing occasional abdominal discomfort, he led an otherwise normal physical life. However, social stigma and emotional distress severely affected his well-being. Local doctors had previously advised against surgery, fearing fatal complications due to possible shared cardiac connections. This forced him to leave school at the age of eight and live in isolation.

A Chance for a New Beginning

After years of suffering, the boy’s family sought medical help at AIIMS following a relative’s suggestion. A team of specialists, including surgeons, radiologists, and anesthesiologists, conducted thorough evaluations. Although prenatal screening could have detected this condition earlier, the boy’s socio-economic background prevented timely diagnosis.
A CT angiography revealed that the parasitic limbs received blood supply from a branch of the internal mammary artery. Additionally, doctors identified a large cystic mass in the abdomen, which needed removal. After extensive planning, the surgery was scheduled for February 8, 2025.

The Complex Surgical Procedure

The surgery was carried out in two phases. First, doctors carefully dissected and ligated the blood vessels to remove the parasitic limbs. During this process, they also discovered and removed underdeveloped testes embedded in the tissue. The second phase involved the removal of the large abdominal cystic mass while ensuring no damage to surrounding organs.

Surgeons also noted an abnormally extended bladder, which required precise handling. The entire procedure lasted 2 to 2.5 hours, after which doctors successfully closed the incision with drainage to prevent complications.

Swift Recovery and a New Lease on Life

The patient’s recovery was remarkably smooth. He could start oral feeding the very next day, and by the third day, doctors removed the drainage tube. On the fourth day, he was discharged from the hospital, free from the burden that had affected his life for 17 years.
Initially, he experienced phantom sensations due to the sudden absence of the extra limbs. However, he was finally able to look forward to a normal life.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.