In A Rare Medical Miracle, A Baby In UK Was 'Born Twice.' Here's Why

In a remarkable medical feat, 32-year-old Lucy Isaac from Oxford, England, underwent a groundbreaking surgical procedure that temporarily removed her womb, with her unborn baby still inside, to treat ovarian cancer. This rare operation, performed at John Radcliffe Hospital, allowed both mother and child to emerge healthy, marking a significant milestone in maternal-fetal medicine.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis 

At 12 weeks pregnant, Lucy received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer following a routine ultrasound. The medical team faced a critical decision, delaying treatment could allow the cancer to spread, but immediate intervention posed risks to the developing fetus. Given the advanced stage of her pregnancy, traditional keyhole surgery was not viable.

Led by Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist Hooman Soleymani Majd, a multidisciplinary team of 15 specialists devised an innovative approach. At 20 weeks gestation, they performed a five-hour operation to remove Lucy's womb, still containing her unborn son, Rafferty. The uterus remained connected to the uterine artery, left fallopian tube, and cervix to maintain blood flow and oxygen supply.

Throughout the procedure, two team members held the womb, which was wrapped in a warm, sterile saline pack to simulate the body's environment. The pack was replaced every 20 minutes to ensure optimal conditions. After successfully removing the cancerous tissue, the womb was reimplanted, and Lucy's abdomen was closed.

A Joyous Outcome 

In January, Lucy gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Rafferty, weighing approximately 2.8 kg. Reflecting on the experience, Lucy expressed immense gratitude: "I had no symptoms before the diagnosis. I feel incredibly lucky that I was not only diagnosed in time but also able to undergo the procedure without jeopardising my pregnancy."

Her husband, Adam Isaac, who had previously undergone a kidney transplant, described holding their son as "the most amazing moment." The couple's journey underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the advancements in medical science that made this outcome possible.

Dr. Shaily Sharma, a consultant gynaecologist, noted the rarity of such procedures, emphasising that they are only attempted in the most critical and carefully planned situations. She highlighted the importance of maintaining continuous blood flow and oxygen exchange through the placenta during the surgery to ensure fetal safety.