Baby Dominique Born With 4 Legs is Separated from Parasitic Twin
A baby girl from the Ivory Coast has been successfully separated from her parasitic twin in what her surgeons are calling a ‘medical miracle’. Ten-month-old baby Dominique was born with an undeveloped parasitic conjoined twin that caused her to be born with four legs and two spines. Doctors say it is an exceedingly rare condition. A press […]
A baby girl from the Ivory Coast has been successfully separated from her parasitic twin in what her surgeons are calling a ‘medical miracle’.
Ten-month-old baby Dominique was born with an undeveloped parasitic conjoined twin that caused her to be born with four legs and two spines.
Doctors say it is an exceedingly rare condition.
A press conference was held at the Advocate Children’s Hospital in Chicago today, where five of her surgeons – who performed the lifesaving operation along with a team of 50 clinicians – discussed the highly-complex surgery, and how her life has now been changed forever.
According to the Hospital, the bottom half of Dominique’s twin’s body, from the waist down, including legs and feet, were protruding from her upper back and neck (which can be seen in the photo above).
Without the operation, Dominique’s lifespan would’ve been shortened as her heart and lungs worked for two.
The operation was arranged by the charitable arm of the hospital, which conducts several charitable operations annually which they do not publicise; but due to the unique nature of this op they have made it public.
The hospital has been liaising with her French-speaking family through translators. Dominique was flown over in early February to stay with a host family before and after surgery.
Host mother Nancy said Dominique has a very bubbly personality and that it has been an “honour to be her host family”. Nancy had seen a picture of Dominique in January, “sitting on her beautiful Mama’s lap” asking for a host family whilst she needed to be in the USA.
Baby Dominique is now well on the way to recovery and will soon be reunited with her family back in Africa.