The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 26, 2025
In a groundbreaking medical feat, a team of expert surgeons at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi successfully removed a rare parasitic twin from a 17-year-old boy, Mohit, who had lived his entire life with a fully developed extra limb attached to his abdomen. The condition, known as an incomplete parasitic twin, is an extremely rare congenital anomaly, with only 40 cases reported in medical literature worldwide.
Mohit’s condition stemmed from an underdeveloped twin that had failed to fully form in the womb. The extra limb, which also contained underdeveloped male genitalia, had grown with him since birth. Remarkably, he could feel touch, pain, and temperature in the limb. While he had no major health concerns apart from occasional abdominal pain, the social stigma attached to his condition led to years of isolation and hardship. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and struggled to find medical help, as local doctors believed that removing the limb could be fatal due to shared circulatory connections.
Desperate for a solution, Mohit was advised to seek treatment at AIIMS. Upon arrival, he was immediately admitted and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including general surgeons, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists. A detailed CT angiography revealed that the parasitic limb was supplied by a branch of the internal mammary artery, adding complexity to the surgery. Doctors also discovered a large cystic mass in his abdomen, necessitating a dual-surgery approach.
On February 8, 2025, a team of highly skilled surgeons undertook the intricate procedure. The first phase involved the removal of the parasitic limb. A careful circular incision was made, followed by meticulous separation of the tissue, blood vessels, and bony attachment. The underdeveloped testes of the parasitic twin were also excised.
In the second phase, the team tackled the abdominal cystic mass, which was adhered to the bowel, liver, and abdominal wall. Surgeons made a midline incision, delicately freed the mass, and discovered an unusually high extension of Mohit’s bladder, which was successfully reconstructed. A drain was placed, and the abdomen was closed with sutures.
Post-surgery, Mohit showed a rapid recovery. He began eating the very next day, and his drain was removed by the third day. With stable vitals and no complications, he was discharged on the fourth day.
For the first time in 17 years, Mohit was free from the burden of his condition. Initially unable to believe the transformation, he expressed joy mixed with disbelief. His family, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed their gratitude, calling it nothing short of a miracle.
The success of this rare and complex surgery was a result of seamless teamwork and medical expertise. The operating team included Dr. Asuri Krishna (chief operating surgeon), Dr. VK Bansal, Dr. Sushant Soren, Dr. Brijesh Kumar Singh, Dr. Abhinav Kumar, and Dr. Jaymeen Makwana from the Department of Surgical Disciplines. Additional specialists included Dr. Manish Singhal and Dr. Sashank (Plastic Surgery), Dr. Ganga Prasad and Dr. Rakesh (Anesthesia), and Dr. Atin and Dr. Ankita (Radiology).
This extraordinary case highlights not only the rarity of parasitic twin conditions but also the cutting-edge surgical advancements being made in India. Mohit’s story is an inspiring testament to resilience, hope, and the power of medical science in transforming lives.
