A little girl with eight limbs is undergoing forty hours of surgery. Lakshmi Tatma was born with four arms and four legs. The additional limbs are the result of a conjoined twin that failed to develop. The twin has no head, but does have a torso and limbs. There are nearly thirty surgeons who are undertaking the endeavor and working round the clock to give Lakshmi a chance at a normal life. However, the surgery is not without its risks, nor is it without controversy. You see, many villagers believe that Lakshmi is the reincarnation of the Hindu goddess for whom she was named.
Little Lakshmi was also born during the time of a Hindu holiday season.
In Sanskrit, Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and has four arms. When Lakshmi was born to her parents, many in the surrounding villages were convinced that not only was little Lakshmi the reincarnation of the goddess and they are not welcoming the news of the surgery. In fact, when news regarding Lakshmi spread throughout the village, many people brought gifts to bless the child. Unfortunately, some even tried to exploit her for money. Lakshmi’s parents were propositioned to display the little girl in the circus.
Though her parents admit that they do believe that Lakshmi is the reincarnated goddess and that they worshipped her as well, they also state that they want her to live a normal life, therefore they are adamant in regards to the surgery.
The surgeons will work in eight-hour shifts until the surgery is completed. In addition to the eight limbs, Lakshmi also has two stomachs, two chest cavities, and four kidneys. Doctors have stated that the most difficult aspect of the surgery will be operating on veins and blood vessels that both Lakshmi and her underdeveloped twin share.
Lakshmi’s health has not been the best. In fact, from the time she was born she has been very sick and has suffered from frequent infections. The surgery is vitally important, as the lifespan for those who are conjoined with a parasitic twin are not promising.
Her parents had been trying to find medical help for her since she was born, but they do not have much financial means. In fact, the doctors who are performing the marathon surgery on Lakshmi are working without pay. They have all volunteered for the job and are giving a great deal of their time in an effort to help Lakshmi.
The surgery is very risky, however the doctors are very optimistic regarding Lakshmi’s survival. There is a 20% chance that things could go drastically wrong and that they could ultimately lose Lakshmi, but so far the surgery is going well. The surgeons have reported that they have successfully removed the parasitic twin’s pelvis and are working on removing the additional limbs. The extra limbs have caused Lakshmi great distress and she is unable to stand or walk. The doctors are hoping that after the surgery she will be able to live a normal life.
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