AIIMS Performs Life-Changing Surgery to Remove UP Teen’s ‘Parasitic Twin’

A 17-year-old boy from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, has now been freed from the physical and emotional burdens of living with a ‘parasitic twin’ after undergoing a groundbreaking surgery performed by a skilled team of doctors at AIIMS, Delhi. This rare and life-changing surgery, which involved the removal of an extra set of limbs and a pelvis attached to his torso, has provided the boy with a new chance at life.

Understanding the Condition: What Is a Parasitic Twin?

A ‘parasitic twin’ is a rare phenomenon in which one twin in a set of conjoined twins fails to fully develop and instead remains attached to the surviving, developed twin. Despite this, the underdeveloped twin’s body parts continue to exist and may even have fully functioning organs, including limbs, a pelvis, and sometimes, the external genitalia. The underdeveloped twin, often referred to as the ‘parasitic twin’, does not have a complete and separate existence. It survives at the expense of the fully developed twin, drawing nutrients and blood supply from the host twin. The parasitic twin is often without a heart or brain, but its organs, such as limbs and tissues, may continue to function.

Rare Nature of the Condition

This condition is exceptionally rare. According to the Cleveland Clinic, parasitic twins are seen in only about 1 in 1 million births globally. The causes of such conjoined twin phenomena are not entirely understood, but they are often explained by two main theories: the fission theory and the fusion theory.

• Fission Theory: This theory suggests that when a fertilized egg does not fully separate, it results in conjoined twins. If one of the twins stops developing but remains attached, it becomes a parasitic twin.
• Fusion Theory: According to this theory, two fertilized eggs fuse together during early development. One twin may stop developing, leaving the parasitic twin attached to the surviving twin.

In the case of the 17-year-old boy from Unnao, the boy’s parasitic twin had fully formed lower limbs, buttocks, and external genitalia, attached to the boy’s torso, making his condition particularly rare and challenging.

The Boy’s Life Before Surgery

For 17 years, the teenager had lived with the parasitic twin, which weighed around 15 kg and was attached to his abdomen. Despite being physically and emotionally affected by his condition, the boy was unaware of the possibility of medical intervention. He had been ridiculed by others and had to endure a life of isolation, unable to live a normal life. His physical appearance, due to the extra limbs and body parts attached to him, made him a subject of mockery. He was forced to drop out of school in eighth grade due to the challenges of moving around and participating in daily activities.

Local doctors had warned him that removing the parasitic limb could be fatal because it was connected to his body via shared blood vessels. As a result, he endured years of discomfort and emotional distress, until a breakthrough treatment became available at AIIMS, Delhi.

The Surgical Procedure at AIIMS

In this rare case, the boy’s surgery was carried out in two stages by a team of doctors at AIIMS, Delhi. The first part of the surgery was dedicated to removing the parasitic limb. This was the more complex part of the surgery, as it involved separating the parasitic twin’s limbs and pelvis from the boy’s body. The tissues of the parasitic twin were interconnected with the host twin’s tissues, including shared blood vessels and nerves, making the surgery even more challenging. According to Dr. Asuri Krishna, the lead surgeon, the team had to carefully dissect the mesh of blood vessels and nerves shared between the two twins.

The parasitic twin’s limbs were fully functional, capable of feeling pain, touch, and temperature. Although the boy did not experience significant health issues besides dull abdominal pain, the surgery aimed to eliminate the physical burden caused by the parasitic twin.

The second stage of the surgery involved removing a large cystic mass found in the boy’s abdomen. This mass had been causing further complications by adhering to the abdominal wall, bowel, and liver. The cyst was carefully extracted, and its presence was carefully monitored to ensure no damage to the surrounding organs.

The Challenges of the Surgery

The complexity of the surgery was exacerbated by the fact that the parasitic twin was not only attached to the boy’s abdomen but also to his chest via blood vessels. The CT angiography performed before surgery revealed that the parasitic twin was receiving blood from the internal mammary artery, which is usually responsible for supplying blood to the chest wall. The surgeons had to tie off these blood vessels to prevent excessive blood loss during the surgery. Additionally, the parasitic twin’s testes were found in the soft tissue at the attachment site and were carefully removed along with the limb.

The boy’s blood pressure significantly dropped during surgery, as a substantial amount of blood was being supplied to the parasitic twin. However, the surgical team had anticipated this challenge and was able to stabilize his condition quickly.

Recovery and Post-Surgery Life

Despite the complexities involved in the surgery, the procedure was ultimately successful. The boy, who had been living with his parasitic twin for 17 years, was able to regain control over his body and his future. Remarkably, he was discharged just four days after surgery and began his journey toward recovery.

Doctors have emphasized that while the boy’s physical recovery is well on track, he will need to undergo regular follow-ups to monitor his health. Fortunately, the surgery has provided him with a new lease on life. His emotional and psychological healing will also be crucial, as he now has the opportunity to reintegrate into society and pursue his dreams.

A New Beginning: The Boy’s Future

The teenager’s story is a testament to medical innovation and the resilience of the human spirit. Before the surgery, he had struggled with physical isolation, unable to engage in physical activity or lead a normal life. Now, with his parasitic twin removed, the boy plans to resume his studies and eventually seek employment. He no longer faces the ridicule that once defined his life, and he is excited to embrace the world with a renewed sense of hope.

This extraordinary case has garnered attention globally and has become a shining example of the possibilities of medical advancements. The team of surgeons at AIIMS, Delhi, has earned recognition for their expertise in performing this rare and complex surgery, which has changed the life of a young boy forever.

The successful removal of a 17-year-old boy’s parasitic twin at AIIMS, Delhi, marks a milestone in the field of surgery. This life-changing procedure has not only freed the boy from the physical burden of an extra set of limbs but has also opened doors to a future filled with opportunities. As medical technology continues to advance, it is stories like these that inspire hope for those living with rare and debilitating conditions. The young boy, once a subject of mockery and isolation, now stands as a symbol of resilience, with the world at his feet.