Discovery Channel's Octoman

MANILA, Philippines - Rudy Santos, 55, is a medical phenomenon. With four arms and three legs, he has one of the rarest conditions known to man — a parasitic twin. His twin also has an undeveloped head that protrudes out of Rudy’s torso. Known as Octoman, Rudy has lived his life with the inconvenience and pain of his additional appendages. He accepted his condition until a famous Filipino surgeon offered him the hope of being separated from his twin. Will Rudy be a suitable candidate for the surgery? Discovery Channel’s Octoman premieres July 5, 9 p.m. Encores air on July 6, 12 a.m., 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.; July 7, 7 p.m.; and July 12, 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.

For the first time in his life, medical science has knocked on Rudy’s door. Cameras follow him on the emotional journey as he meets the Philippines’ foremost authority in conjoined twin separation, Dr. Vicente Gomez.

Rudy undergoes a series of medical examinations to find out for the first time how it is formed within him, and what of his twin exists — whether it has a spine, and what organs? He will also find out if surgery is possible for him at this late age. While waiting for the results of the examinations, Rudy makes the emotional journey back to his family home where his 11 brothers and sisters have been praying for his return.