A Child Born Twice

In October 2016, the world stood in awe as a team at Texas Children’s Hospital accomplished what seemed almost miraculous. A baby, LynLee Hope Boemer, was partially delivered at just 23 weeks of gestation to undergo a life-saving surgery and then returned to the womb to continue growing. At birth, LynLee was famously dubbed "the baby who was born twice."

The medical team, led by Nigerian-born paediatric surgeon Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye and his colleague Dr. Darrell Cass, performed the rare and complex fetal surgery to remove a massive sacrococcygeal teratoma, a tumor that threatened the baby’s life by stealing blood supply from vital organs.

LynLee was temporarily removed from the uterus, operated on, and then placed back for an additional 13 weeks before being delivered again via caesarean section.

The five-hour-long procedure included just 20 minutes of direct fetal surgery; the remaining time was spent opening and carefully resealing the uterus. At the time of surgery, LynLee weighed a mere 1 lb 3 oz. She was born again at 36 weeks, weighing 5 lbs 5 oz, and her successful outcome became an international headline.

Photo Credit: African zone/X

Meet Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye

Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye is not just a pioneer in pediatric surgery; he is a shining symbol of excellence in global medicine. Born and raised in Nigeria, he earned his medical degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1988. Driven by a passion for healing and academic distinction, he moved to the United States, where he earned a Ph.D. in anatomy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996.

He completed his residency in general surgery and fellowship in pediatric surgery at prestigious institutions, including Texas Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Olutoye’s multidisciplinary training enabled him to rise through the ranks of American medicine, where he has continuously shattered barriers for African and international physicians (AfroTech).

Formerly Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Fetal Center, Dr. Olutoye now serves as the Surgeon-in-Chief at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and is a Professor of Surgery at The Ohio State University.

The Tumor That Threatened a Heart

Sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) are rare, occurring in only about 1 in 35,000 to 40,000 live births. These tumors develop at the base of the tailbone and, although typically benign, can become life-threatening in utero due to their rapid growth and high blood supply demands.

In LynLee’s case, by 16 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound imaging showed that the tumor was already redirecting vital blood flow from her developing heart. The condition worsened as the fetus began showing signs of cardiac distress. Doctors initially recommended pregnancy termination due to the slim odds of survival. But Dr. Olutoye and Dr. Cass offered the family an alternative that was both high-risk and potentially life-saving: open fetal surgery.

Photo Credit: African zone/X

The strategy involved temporarily delivering the fetus from the uterus, surgically removing as much of the tumor as possible, and then placing the fetus back in the uterus to continue gestation. The uterus would be closed again, and the mother monitored under strict hospital care for the remainder of the pregnancy.

How It Happened: Surgery on the Edge of Viability

The operation took place at exactly 23 weeks and 5 days of gestation—just on the edge of fetal viability. During the surgery:

• The fetus remained connected to the placenta throughout the procedure, ensuring oxygen and nutrient delivery.

• Nearly 90% of the tumor was removed, despite it being almost as large as the fetus’s head.

• LynLee’s heart briefly stopped, requiring immediate resuscitation and a blood transfusion.

• After tumor removal, the fetus was returned to the uterus and the uterine wall was meticulously sealed.

The mother then remained on bed rest until 36 weeks, when LynLee was delivered by cesarean section—this time to stay.

This operation is categorized as an EXIT (Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment) procedure, but the application at such an early gestational age is what made it historically significant (AAMC, Independent).

Against All Odds: A Bright Future

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Today, LynLee Hope continues to grow and thrive, defying every prediction made before and during her gestation. At her one-year milestone, she was walking, talking, and hitting every developmental mark. Her story has inspired families around the world facing fetal complications. For Dr. Olutoye, it was a defining moment in a career already filled with distinction.

Legacy and Leadership

Dr. Olutoye’s career is not defined by a single success but by a consistent dedication to pushing the frontiers of fetal medicine. At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, he oversees one of the largest paediatric surgical departments in the United States. He is also involved in training the next generation of paediatric surgeons and fetal medicine specialists.

Beyond his technical skill, Dr. Olutoye serves as a role model for international medical professionals, especially those from Africa. His achievements prove that geographic origin does not limit scientific innovation or excellence in patient care.

Photo Credit: African zone/X

Why This Matters

The significance of LynLee's case cannot be overstated:

• It represents one of fewer than three documented cases of fetal surgery performed as early as 23 weeks with a successful outcome.

• It challenged and redefined the boundaries of fetal viability and prenatal surgical intervention.

• It showcased the collaboration, precision, and bravery required in modern medicine.

• It highlighted the importance of representation and diversity in top-tier global medical institutions.

As Dr. Olutoye said in an interview, "African medical talent can succeed on the global stage". His journey affirms that belief.