Medical Milestone: Twin Parasitic Fetuses Removed from Newborn at Fortis Gurugram

Medical Milestone: Twin Parasitic Fetuses Removed from Newborn at  Fortis Gurugram
 

-Only 35 such cases of ‘Fetus in Fetu’ have been documented worldwide

New Delhi/Gurugram,3rd September 2025: 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 only about 1 in 500,000 live births worldwide, making it a true medical rarity. 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 
stabilizing 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 specialized 
pediatric anesthetist was involved in the surgery and post the procedure, 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.

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