RAHIM YAR KHAN: Doctors at Sheikh Zayed Hospital have successfully removed an undeveloped fetus from the chest of a five-year-old boy in a rare and complex surgical procedure.
The surgery was performed on Monday by Dr. Sultan Awaisi, who explained that the condition is known as fetus in fetu — a rare medical phenomenon in which an underdeveloped fetus grows inside the body of another person.
According to Dr. Awaisi, the undeveloped fetus was located near the child’s main artery in the chest. In most cases, such tissue is found in the abdominal area, making this case particularly rare due to its unusual location.
The child had been suffering from breathing problems, recurrent chest infections, persistent coughing and frequent fever since he was just 18 days old. However, the condition remained undiagnosed for nearly five years.
A CT scan later confirmed the presence of the undeveloped fetus, which weighed around one kilogram. The fetus had partially developed organs, including a spine, hair and teeth, but did not have a head.
Dr. Awaisi said the child is recovering well after the surgery and is now eating and moving normally. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital by Friday.