In a first for India, doctors at Delhi’s Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Lok Nayak Hospital have successfully removed a parasitic twin from the mouth of a newborn boy — a rare and complex medical condition known as “Fetus in Fetu.”
A Miracle of Modern Medicine
The baby, born at 36 weeks via caesarean section, had a large 15×12×8 cm growth inside his mouth that obstructed breathing and feeding. Antenatal scans had already hinted at the presence of an unusual mass, but post-delivery, the situation turned critical as the infant struggled for air and was immediately placed on ventilation.
What Is a Palatal Parasitic Twin?
This condition occurs when an underdeveloped twin becomes attached to or embedded within its sibling’s body — in this case, inside the oral cavity. The parasitic twin lacks vital organs and survives solely on the host’s blood supply. Globally, such cases are extremely rare and demand immediate surgical intervention for survival.
Precision Surgery, Perfect Outcome
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Sujoy Neogi, Professor of Pediatric Surgery, performed the delicate operation with assistance from Dr. Deepak Goel, Dr. Divya Tomar, and Dr. Rakesh. The procedure required intricate dissection to remove the abnormal growth from the baby’s palate while preserving healthy tissues.
Following surgery, the newborn was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for specialized breathing and feeding care. Two months later, the baby is thriving and bottle-feeding normally.
Teamwork That Defines Hope
The operation was supported by Dr. Simmi K. Ratan, Head of Pediatric Surgery, and an extended medical team including Dr. Praful Kumar, Dr. Chiranjiv Kumar, Dr. Sheetal Upreti, and Dr. Raghav Narang.
Hospital authorities described the achievement as “a shining example of early antenatal diagnosis, surgical excellence, and collaborative care — proof that India’s pediatric surgical expertise continues to reach new heights.”
