Successfully performed the first complex surgery in Con Dao special zone

On September 10, according to information from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health , doctors at Binh Dan Hospital coordinated with the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center to successfully perform a complex surgery to save the life of a 17-year-old male youth who suffered abdominal trauma and multiple organ damage after a traffic accident.

The surgery marked the coordination between specialists from the leading hospital and the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center in providing timely emergency care to people, limiting transportation to the mainland.

Previously, on September 8, a 17-year-old male student named NPH was hospitalized at the Con Dao Military Medical Center with multiple injuries after a traffic accident.

Despite receiving 1 unit (350 ml) of packed red blood cells, the young man's condition continued to worsen. On the morning of September 9, the young man had a rapid pulse and a low hemoglobin (Hb) index. Doctors diagnosed internal bleeding and the victim was at risk of hemorrhagic shock if he did not receive timely surgery.

Following the direction of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, on the morning of September 9, doctors from Binh Dan Hospital were present in Con Dao to directly examine, consult and decide to immediately perform surgery on the victim in Con Dao.

The surgery was performed urgently by leading experts from Binh Dan Hospital, including general surgery, thoracic-vascular surgery, urology, anesthesia and resuscitation...

During the exploratory laparoscopy, the doctors noted that the victim had many injuries including: a split left kidney, a torn abdominal wall muscle in the left costophrenic angle, a left hemothorax, and a crushed tail of the pancreas. Along with that, there was a large hematoma in the left renal fossa, the left kidney was broken off the upper pole, and the lower pole could not be preserved.

The victim was taken to open surgery to suture the abdominal wall muscle tear, place a left pleural drain, and remove the left kidney to stop the bleeding. The doctors carefully assessed the remaining internal organs to ensure there was no other damage. After removing all the blood clots, cleaning the abdomen, and placing two drainage tubes, the doctors closed the abdomen and sutured the skin.

After surgery, the young man received intensive care from experienced anesthesiologists. On the first postoperative day, the patient had stable vital signs, a soft abdomen, and good drainage.

Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Tran Vinh Hung, Director of Binh Dan Hospital, assessed that this was a case of complex closed abdominal trauma causing internal bleeding. Thanks to the coordination of multidisciplinary doctors, a fully equipped operating room, and a blood bank, the patient was saved in time.

This surgery shows the need to improve emergency surgery capacity in remote areas, islands far from the mainland. Especially on bad weather days, the option of transporting patients by plane to the mainland has potential risks.

Mr. Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, said that this is the first complicated surgery performed right in the Con Dao special zone after the Department of Health sent specialized doctors to strengthen work at the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center in early September 2025.

In the immediate future, the Department of Health will increase coordination with multi-specialty doctors from hospitals in the central area of the City to support the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center.

Regarding the long-term orientation, the Department will propose to build a surgical emergency system right in Con Dao to be able to perform surgery on the spot, take advantage of the "golden time" in emergency, minimize risks when having to transport patients far away, and ensure safety for patients in Con Dao./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/thuc-hien-thanh-cong-ca-phau-thuat-phuc-tap-dau-tien-tai-dac-khu-con-dao-post1061052.vnp