Sepsis due to unsafe 'thread implantation' to treat herniated disc

Redness, swelling, hard lumps at the locations where the thread was implanted to treat herniated discs in the lumbar spine and cervical spine, even pain, inability to move, high fever, the male patient (61 years old, Phu Tho) was urgently transferred to Bach Mai Hospital for treatment.

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Doctor Duong Thi Hang, Deputy Head of Dermatology and Burns Department, Bach Mai Hospital, examines a patient - Photo: BVCC

According to the patient, he had a history of lumbar disc herniation, cervical spine, carpal tunnel syndrome, and had visited and received treatment at many hospitals but did not get better.

For about 15 days now, his condition has been getting worse, with more pain. After hearing people's recommendations, he went to a private clinic near his home for acupressure, acupuncture, moxibustion, and thread implantation - a form of inserting catgut thread into acupuncture points to stimulate and prolong the effects of acupuncture.

One day after the implant, the patient had a red mass on his back and swelling of the surrounding skin. The patient asked the doctor at the private clinic, but was told that it was a normal reaction of the body after the procedure.

However, the disease continued to progress, causing pain, difficulty walking and daily activities. The patient was admitted to the provincial hospital with bilateral buttock abscesses and was monitored for sepsis. In addition, due to underlying diseases of high blood pressure, diabetes, and blood clotting disorders, the patient was then transferred to the Dermatology and Burns Department of Bach Mai Hospital for treatment.

At Bach Mai Hospital, upon admission, the patient had a high fever, rapid heartbeat, severe pain, widespread redness and swelling, and firm buttock swelling on both sides. Based on test results, the patient was diagnosed with cellulitis and sepsis.

According to experts, thread implantation is a traditional medical procedure that must be performed by a properly trained doctor, under absolutely sterile conditions.

When inserted into acupoints, the body can react strongly if the technique is incorrect or the environment is contaminated, leading to inflammation, abscesses, or life-threatening sepsis.

In particular, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and immunodeficiency are more susceptible to serious complications when performing the procedure at unlicensed facilities.

Dr. Duong Thi Hang - Deputy Head of the Department of Dermatology and Burns, Bach Mai Hospital - recommends: "People need to be careful when choosing medical facilities, should only be treated at hospitals or clinics that are licensed to operate, doctors are granted professional certificates, practice licenses. Avoid the mentality of "word of mouth" or "cheap, quick recovery", because the price to pay is very high, it can be health, even life".

In addition, patients with underlying diseases need to consult an internist before applying any intervention method.

Doctors also warn that not all "traditional" methods are "benign" - just a needle or thread that is not sterile can result in widespread infection, tissue necrosis, and long-term hospitalization.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhiem-trung-huyet-vi-cay-chi-chua-thoat-vi-dia-dem-khong-dam-bao-an-toan-20251024215918754.htm