Surgeons Remove Foetus in Fetu at Sheikh Zayed Hospital
An extremely rare medical case has been reported in Rahim Yar Khan. Doctors at Sheikh Zayed Hospital successfully removed an underdeveloped foetus from the chest of a five-year-old boy. The condition is known as fetus in fetu, a rare disorder in which a malformed twin grows inside the body of its sibling.
Hospital officials said the complex surgery was performed by a specialised medical team. The operation was led by senior thoracic surgeon Dr Sultan Mahmood Owaisi. The foetus was found dangerously close to the child’s main heart artery, making the procedure highly delicate.
Doctors confirmed that the foetus was premature and could not survive. Despite the risks involved, surgeons managed to remove it completely without complications. The boy remained under close medical observation following the surgery.
A hospital spokesperson told Geo News that the operation was successful. He said the child’s condition after surgery was stable and satisfactory. He added that the patient is receiving the best possible medical care.
Foetus Discovered Near Heart in Extremely Rare Location
Speaking to BBC Urdu, Dr Sultan explained why the case was extraordinary. He said most fetus in fetu cases are found in the abdomen. Discovering one inside the chest is extremely rare in medical literature.
“This case is unusual because the foetus was located in the thoracic cavity,” he said. He added that several organs of the foetus had already developed. Despite this, the condition remained undetected for five years.
According to Dr Sultan, the foetus had a clearly formed spine. It also had hair, teeth, and other body structures. However, the head was missing. The foetus weighed approximately one kilogramme, which increased the pressure on the child’s chest.
The foetus was positioned near the heart and major blood vessels. This location posed a serious risk to the child’s life. Surgeons had to proceed with extreme caution to avoid damage to vital organs.
Child Suffered Symptoms Since Infancy
The child had experienced health problems since early infancy. Dr Sultan said the boy began showing symptoms when he was just 18 days old. He suffered from breathing difficulties, frequent chest infections, persistent coughing, and recurring fevers.
Over the years, the family consulted multiple doctors. Despite repeated medical visits, the underlying cause remained undiagnosed. The symptoms were treated individually, but the root problem went unnoticed.
The correct diagnosis was finally made after a CT scan was conducted recently. The imaging revealed a mass inside the child’s chest. Further examination confirmed it to be a fetus in fetu.
Doctors said early detection in such cases is difficult. The condition is extremely rare and often mistaken for tumors or cysts. Only advanced imaging can confirm the diagnosis.
Medical experts say fetus in fetu occurs in about one in 500,000 births. Cases involving the chest are even rarer. The successful surgery has been described as a major achievement for the hospital’s surgical team.
The child is now recovering under medical supervision. Doctors are optimistic about his long-term health. The case highlights the importance of advanced diagnostic tools and specialised surgical care.
