By Erewunmi Peace

In a medical feat that stunned the world, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, a U.S.-based Nigerian pediatric surgeon, performed a rare and life-saving surgery — removing a baby from the womb, operating, and successfully placing the baby back inside to complete a healthy pregnancy.

The miraculous case involved baby LynLee, who was diagnosed with a dangerous sacrococcygeal teratoma, a tumor growing at the base of her spine. The tumor was so large that it threatened her survival inside the womb. At just 23 weeks gestation, Dr. Olutoye and his surgical team at Texas Children’s Hospital made the bold decision to operate.

“The baby was removed from the uterus, the tumor was excised, and then the baby was carefully returned to the womb for the pregnancy to continue,” Dr. Olutoye explained in interviews.

The surgery lasted several hours. During the procedure, LynLee’s heart briefly stopped beating — but the skilled team stabilized her, completed the surgery, and returned her to the womb. Remarkably, the pregnancy continued until 36 weeks, when she was delivered via cesarean section — healthy and thriving.

Dr. Olutoye, who earned his medical degree in Nigeria before moving to the United States for advanced training, has received widespread acclaim for this landmark procedure. In 2020, he was appointed Chief of Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio — one of the top children’s hospitals in the U.S.

“This is a testament to what Nigerians can achieve on the global stage when given the right environment and opportunity,” said a proud member of the Nigerian medical community.

The case has been documented in medical journals and featured by top news outlets globally, hailing it as a major advancement in fetal surgery, a field that allows doctors to treat conditions before birth.

Dr. Olutoye’s story is more than just medical success — it’s an inspiration. A story of precision, faith, and Nigerian excellence on the world stage.