Patient Experience: A baby born twice

Lucy Isaac, 32, was 12 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer following a routine ultrasound scan.

Thanks to a life-changing surgical procedure at the John Radcliffe Hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), Lucy's baby Rafferty Isaac was born safely in January this year – but it wasn't the first time he was 'born'.

A life-changing operation

In October 2024, a surgical team at OUH lifted Lucy's womb out of her pelvis - complete with baby Rafferty inside - in order to remove her ovarian tumour.

Lucy's pregnancy was too far advanced to allow surgeons to perform standard keyhole surgery. OUH doctors suspected that if they waited until the baby was born before treating the tumour, there would be an increased risk of metastasis – the cancer spreading in the other parts of the body, and posing a risk to Lucy's life.

Instead, a team headed by Mr Hooman Soleymani Majd, an OUH consultant, proposed the radical operation – a rare procedure which would lift Lucy's womb out of her abdomen – still containing her unborn child – to allow them to examine and remove the cancerous cells on both ovaries behind the womb. 

In a five-hour procedure, Lucy's womb was removed while it remained connected to the uterine artery to maintain a supply of blood and oxygen to the baby. It also stayed attached to the left fallopian tube and cervix. 

The procedure involved a team of 15 people which included anaesthetic, surgical, obstetric and pathology staff members who were all directly involved in Lucy's care on the day of her surgery. Two members of the team held Lucy's womb in their hands during the entire procedure, with the baby’s heart rate and temperature being monitored along with Lucy's. 

Her womb was wrapped in a warm, sterile saline pack to mimic being inside the body and to keep it at the right temperature, and was replaced with a fresh pack every 20 minutes.

Once the cancerous tissue was removed, Lucy's womb was placed back into position, the saline packs removed, and her abdomen stitched back up.

During the procedure the team removed a slice of the tumour, which was examined by pathologists, who determined it was a stage two cancer – which meant cancer cells had also invaded tissues surrounding the ovaries, making the procedure more complex and even more important than anticipated.

Previous operations carried out by Mr Hooman Soleymani Majd involved only stage one tumours, which are comparatively easier to remove. The womb was outside Lucy's body for two hours – twice the time of his previous procedures.

Hooman Soleymani Majd said: "I am pleased with the success of the procedure. It was a complex and challenging operation, but the dedication and expertise of our multidisciplinary team ensured a positive outcome for both Lucy and her baby.

"When baby Rafferty, visited us at two weeks after being born, it was immensely emotional moment for me and the team.

"This achievement not only highlights the advancements in medical science but also reinforces our commitment to providing innovative and life-saving procedures. I am grateful for the trust placed in us, and proud of the collaborative effort that made this possible."

Lucy said: "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.

"My husband Adam and I were made aware of the risks, but we had faith in Mr Hooman Soleymani Majd and the team. I am immensely grateful to everyone involved in saving me and my baby."

It was especially emotional for the family as Adam Isaac, Lucy's husband, had only been able to start a family after being given a kidney by a friend, which was transplanted in November 2022.

Adam said: "To finally hold Rafferty in our arms after everything we have been through was the most amazing moment.

"The care Lucy received at OUH has been incredible. I am grateful to everyone involved for saving my wife and baby."

Professor Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer, at OUH said: "I am incredibly proud of the exceptional life-saving procedure carried out by our dedicated team at OUH. This is another fantastic example of the outstanding and innovative care they provide to patients every day. It stands as a testament to their exceptional skill, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients."